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

One Gunman Killed, Two Injured in Shooting at Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

A confrontation near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul resulted in the death of one gunman and injuries to two others, according to Turkish authorities. The incident, described by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “heinous act of terror,” occurred during a daylight gunfight. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci reported that two police officers were “slightly injured” in the exchange of fire.

“We will not allow the climate of trust in Turkey to be damaged by such vile and timed provocations as today’s,” Erdogan stated in a social media post.

The attackers arrived in Istanbul from Izmit using a rental car, and the ministry confirmed that two of them were siblings. The slain gunman, identified as Yunus E.S., was linked to a terrorist group that leverages religious ideology, believed to be the Islamic State. However, no organization has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.

Initially, police had reported two fatalities, but local governor Davut Gul later corrected that only one attacker was killed. The injured individuals were named as Onur Ç and Enes Ç, who were also brothers. The ministry noted that the police officers’ injuries were not life-threatening, with one receiving a leg wound and the other an ear injury.

Officials revealed that intensive digital communication was observed between the three terrorists neutralized in the attack. Interrogations of the wounded suspects are ongoing. Governor Gul added that the assailants used rifles and pistols, and that no Israeli diplomats were present at the consulate during the incident.

Footage shared on social media appears to show a gunman being shot by police and collapsing. A witness described the gunfire as “loud” and persistent for “15-20 minutes.” Unverified videos displayed police vans and a strong security presence around the consulate, which was sealed off for several hours afterward.

The Israeli consulate, located in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, has been vacant for over two-and-a-half years. This period coincides with strained relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, particularly due to tensions over the Gaza war. An investigation into the attack has now been initiated.