One gunman killed and two injured in shooting at Israeli consulate in Istanbul

A fatal shooting occurred near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, resulting in the death of one attacker and injuries to two others. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed the incident, stating that the assailants had traveled from Izmit to the city in a rented vehicle. He noted that two of the attackers were brothers, though no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.

Details from official statements

“Intensive digital communication has been detected among the three neutralised terrorists, and the interrogation of the injured terrorists continues,” the ministry said in a statement.

Initially, police reported two attackers had died, but local governor Davut Gul corrected that, clarifying only one was killed. The two injured attackers, identified as Onur Ç and Enes Ç, were also brothers. The ministry added that the injured police officers sustained minor injuries, with one shot in the leg and the other in the ear.

Gunfight footage and aftermath

Footage circulating on social media appears to show the moment an armed attacker was struck by police gunfire and collapsed. Witnesses described the sounds of gunfire as “loud” and persistent for 15 to 20 minutes. Unverified videos displayed multiple police vans and a heavy security presence around the consulate, which remained sealed for several hours following the attack.

The Israeli consulate, located in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, has been unoccupied for over two-and-a-half years due to strained relations between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza conflict. Governor Gul confirmed that no Israeli diplomatic staff were present during the incident.

Investigation underway

The justice minister announced the initiation of an inquiry into the attack. The ministry also linked the deceased gunman, Yunus E.S., to a terrorist organization that utilizes religion for its objectives, though this connection remains unconfirmed by any group.