Three Gunmen Neutralised in Attack Outside Israeli Consulate in Istanbul
A dramatic ten-minute shooting attack unfolded outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, resulting in one assailant killed and two police officers wounded. According to official reports, three gunmen were involved in the assault, with all three subsequently neutralised by security forces.
Details of the Assault
The incident occurred around 12:15pm in Istanbul's financial district, immediately outside a tower housing the Israeli consulate. Governor Davut Gul confirmed the killing of one attacker during the exchange of fire. The assailants utilised rifles and pistols in their assault, which lasted for approximately ten minutes.
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that the identities of the three attackers have been determined, though details remain confidential. He revealed that the individuals had links to an organisation that exploits religion, with two of them being brothers. One attacker reportedly travelled from Izmit in a rented vehicle, while one of the brothers had a prior drug-related record.
Police Response and Aftermath
Footage from the scene showed an apparent attacker moving among parked police and security buses, firing an automatic rifle and handgun for several minutes. Two bodies were visible on nearby streets and grassy areas. Police officers were seen drawing weapons and taking cover as shots rang out, with one individual covered in blood.
Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the clash. Since the Hamas-Israel war began in 2023, a heavily armed police presence has been maintained in the area surrounding the consulate. The location is densely populated with numerous businesses and thousands of workers nearby.
Investigation and Context
The Istanbul public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the attack, as confirmed by Justice Minister Akin Gurlek. Turkish officials have not publicly identified the group linked to the attackers, though Turkish media speculate possible connections to the Islamic State (IS) group.
This incident follows recent clashes between IS militants and Turkish police in Yalova, approximately 55 miles southeast of Istanbul, where three officers were killed and nine wounded in December. Turkish police have intensified nationwide raids against IS militants, arresting 125 suspects following that earlier attack.
Governor Davut Gul noted that there have been no Israeli diplomatic staff at the consulate for two-and-a-half years. The consulate itself is located on the seventh floor of one of the taller buildings in the area.
An eyewitness account from reporter Sinem Koseoglu described three individuals arriving in a car, opening fire, and being met with return fire from security personnel. The swift police response prevented further casualties in this high-security zone.
