At least one attacker was killed, while two others were wounded and detained after a gunfight broke out outside the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district on Tuesday, according to media reports.
Akin Gurlek, Turkey’s Justice Minister, announced that a criminal investigation had been launched into the incident, Turkiye Today reported.
Davut Gul, the Governor of Istanbul, told the news outlet, “One of the attackers was killed, and two were captured wounded.”
Confirming the development, Mustafa Ciftci said, “Three individuals who engaged in an armed clash with our police officers on duty in front of the Yapi Kredi Plaza blocks in Istanbul were neutralised.”
He added that two police officers sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire.
Authorities have identified the suspects. The Interior Minister noted that one of the attackers had travelled to Istanbul from Izmit in a rented vehicle and had links to an organisation that exploits religion, while another—one of two brothers involved—had a prior drug record.
According to media reports, the attackers arrived wearing tactical camouflage clothing, carrying backpacks, and armed with long-barrelled weapons.
The consulate, which has remained closed for an extended period with only police protection in place, came under attack when the suspects opened fire on officers stationed outside.