Gunman Killed in Shootout Near Israel’s Istanbul Consulate

Turkey’s Interior Ministry confirmed that a gunman was fatally shot during a confrontation outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul. The assailant, reportedly connected to a terror organization, was apprehended in the Levent district. Two additional individuals were taken into custody, though they sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. The incident has been characterized as a “provocation,” with authorities still determining the exact motive.

The attack occurred as armed individuals attempted to reach the seventh floor of the consulate. Footage captured one suspect carrying an assault rifle and a brown backpack, hiding behind a bus before engaging in a firefight with police. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul stated that the two wounded attackers were identified as brothers, Onur C. and Enes C., with Onur having a prior criminal record involving drug offenses. Two police officers also sustained minor injuries during the clash.

“We appreciate the Turkish security forces’ swift action in thwarting this attack. Israeli missions around the world have been subjected to countless threats and terrorist attacks. Terror will not deter us,”

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the consulate was unstaffed at the time of the incident. This follows Israel’s decision to withdraw diplomats from Turkey after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Gaza conflict. The ministry condemned the event as a “terrorist attack” on X, praising Turkey’s prompt response.

US Ambassador Tom Barrack also commended Turkish security forces for their “swift and decisive response.” The Interior Ministry did not specify the terror group involved, though the Islamic State militant group has previously carried out attacks in Turkey. Investigations are ongoing to establish full details of the incident.