One gunman killed and two injured in shooting at Israeli consulate in Istanbul
One gunman killed, two injured in Istanbul consulate shooting
A violent confrontation 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 that two police officers were “slightly injured” during the exchange of fire. He added that the assailants had traveled to the city from Izmit in a rented vehicle, with two of them identified as brothers.
Attackers linked to religiously motivated group
“Intensive digital communication has been detected among the three neutralised terrorists,” the ministry stated, noting the deceased gunman, Yunus E.S., was “connected to the terrorist organisation that exploits religion.” This is believed to refer to the Islamic State group, though no specific faction has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Earlier reports indicated two attackers had died, but local governor Davut Gul clarified that only one was killed. The two surviving attackers, named Onur Ç and Enes Ç, were also identified as brothers. Both wounded police officers were reported to be in stable condition, with injuries including a leg wound and an ear shot.
Details of the assault
“The attackers used rifles and pistols during the attack,” Gul told reporters. He emphasized that no Israeli diplomatic staff were present at the consulate, which is situated in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, the city’s primary business area.
Footage shared on social media appears to show an armed assailant being shot by police and collapsing on the ground. A witness described the gunfire as “loud” and escalating “for 15-20 minutes.” Unverified videos depicted multiple police vehicles and a heavy security presence surrounding the consulate, which remained closed for several hours following the incident.
The Israeli consulate in Turkey has been vacant for over two-and-a-half years, amid worsening ties between Ankara and Tel Aviv due to the Gaza conflict. The justice ministry has initiated an investigation into the attack.
