At least two attackers killed in gunfight outside Israeli consulate in Turkey’s Istanbul

An exchange of fire with police killed two, while a third assailant was captured. One officer sustained injuries during the clash. The area surrounding the building was quickly sealed off.

At least two attackers were reportedly killed, and one was seriously injured in an extended gunfight between police and the assailants directly outside a building housing the Israeli consulate ⁠in ​Istanbul on Tuesday. According to news agency Associated Press, two assailants were captured with injuries.

News agency Reuters video showed police personnel pulling out guns and taking ​cover as ​shots rang out for ⁠at least 10 minutes. One person was covered in blood. Reuters said it obtained other ‌footage that showed an apparent attacker moving among parked white police and security buses and firing for several minutes with an automatic rifle and handgun.

Two bodies lay ⁠on nearby ⁠streets and grassy areas, Reuters added.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters that two police officers sustained slight injuries in the incident, ​which occurred immediately outside ‌a tower where the Israeli consulate is located in Istanbul’s financial district.

The assailants were carrying long-barreled weapons. Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti wrote on X that the attackers had travelled to Istanbul from the neighbouring city of Izmit in a rented car, the AP reported.

One of the assailants was linked to a group he described as “exploiting religion,” without naming the organisation.

Two of the attackers were brothers, and one had a criminal record related to drugs, the report added. The consulate is located in a high-rise building. Officials said there are no Israeli diplomats present in Israeli missions in Turkey.

Israel withdrew its diplomats amid security concerns and deteriorating relations with Turkey, following the war in Gaza. Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation has been launched.

Since ‌the Hamas-Israel war ​began ​in ​2023, a heavily armed police presence has been maintained in ​the area near the Israeli consulate.

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)

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At least two attackers were reportedly killed, and one was seriously injured in an extended gunfight between police and the assailants directly outside a building housing the Israeli consulate ⁠in ​Istanbul on Tuesday. According to news agency Associated Press, two assailants were captured with injuries.

News agency Reuters video showed police personnel pulling out guns and taking ​cover as ​shots rang out for ⁠at least 10 minutes. One person was covered in blood. Reuters said it obtained other ‌footage that showed an apparent attacker moving among parked white police and security buses and firing for several minutes with an automatic rifle and handgun.

Two bodies lay ⁠on nearby ⁠streets and grassy areas, Reuters added.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters that two police officers sustained slight injuries in the incident, ​which occurred immediately outside ‌a tower where the Israeli consulate is located in Istanbul’s financial district.

The assailants were carrying long-barreled weapons. Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti wrote on X that the attackers had travelled to Istanbul from the neighbouring city of Izmit in a rented car, the AP reported.

One of the assailants was linked to a group he described as “exploiting religion,” without naming the organisation.

Two of the attackers were brothers, and one had a criminal record related to drugs, the report added. The consulate is located in a high-rise building. Officials said there are no Israeli diplomats present in Israeli missions in Turkey.

Israel withdrew its diplomats amid security concerns and deteriorating relations with Turkey, following the war in Gaza. Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation has been launched.

Since ‌the Hamas-Israel war ​began ​in ​2023, a heavily armed police presence has been maintained in ​the area near the Israeli consulate.

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)