One attacker was killed and four others, including two police officers and two attackers, were wounded Tuesday during a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul's Besiktas district, a local official said, reported Xinhua.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters on the scene that the attackers targeted police officers who were taking security measures in the area. He said the police officers were slightly wounded during the shootout.
Gul's office then issued a statement saying that the incident began at around 12:15 p.m. local time (0915 GMT), and that the two injured attackers have been captured.
Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Mustafa Ciftci said on social media platform X that the attackers came to Istanbul from Izmit in a rented vehicle. "One of the individuals was found to have links to an organization that exploits religion; and one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug-related record," Ciftci said.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said a multi-faceted investigation into the incident has been launched.
Earlier, local broadcaster NTV said the attackers, reportedly wearing camouflage and carrying backpacks, attacked police officers stationed nearby, triggering an exchange of gunfire that ended with security forces "neutralizing" two suspects and critically wounding a third.
Footage aired by NTV showed a large-scale emergency response, with police units and ambulances sealing off the scene in the Levent neighborhood, one of the city's busiest business hubs.
According to the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, there are currently no Israeli diplomats present in Türkiye, including the consulate in Istanbul. Turkish police have maintained a security presence at the site in Istanbul as it has been a focal point for protests since the start of the Israeli attacks on Gaza.
- Istanbul
- Israel
- Consulate
- Attack
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
