A violent confrontation involving gunfire erupted outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, resulting in the death of one suspect and severe injuries to two others, as per official reports. Turkish authorities stated that police successfully dealt with three armed individuals in a gun battle. According to CNN Turk, the gunmen were instructed to halt their advance towards the building, but they resisted, leading to the exchange of fire.
Reports suggest that the assailants were attempting to access the consulate premises, specifically targeting the section housing Israel’s diplomatic offices. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an inquiry into the incident.
Media sources disclosed that the suspects, armed with long firearms and clad in camouflage attire with backpacks, engaged in the confrontation. The area in front of the consulate, situated in the Levent business district on the European side of Istanbul, witnessed a significant police presence following the incident, as reported by AFP.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul verified the fatality of one attacker during the assault that occurred at approximately 12:15 pm local time, labeling it a “provocative act.” The skirmish outside the Israeli Consulate spanned about six minutes, according to CNN Turk.
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci announced, “Three individuals involved in an armed altercation with our on-duty police officers at Yapı Kredi Plaza Blocks in Istanbul have been neutralized. Two of our brave police officers sustained minor injuries during the clash.” He further elaborated on the identities of the attackers, revealing their travel from Izmit to Istanbul in a rental vehicle and their alleged criminal backgrounds.
Details regarding the exchange of gunfire in Istanbul remain murky, with Halk TV reporting that the clash lasted for several minutes, prompting civilians to seek refuge behind vehicles. The Israeli Consulate, where the incident reportedly occurred, has supposedly been non-operational for approximately a year and a half.
Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek’s statement highlighted the swift launch of an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in response to the gunfire near the Israeli Consulate in Beşiktaş. The investigation, overseen by designated prosecutors and law enforcement units, aims to comprehensively unravel the circumstances surrounding the event. Public updates on the investigation’s progress were assured by the Minister.
