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Shootout erupts near Israeli diplomatic site in Istanbul
One attacker was shot dead and two others wounded on Tuesday when police intercepted three armed men outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul's Besiktas district, Turkish authorities said.
Casualties and injuries
Two police officers sustained minor injuries-one in the leg, the other in the ear-during the midday gun battle, Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci told reporters. Neither officer's condition was described as life-threatening.
The ministry identified the slain attacker as Yunus E.S., describing him as linked to "the terrorist organisation that exploits religion," widely understood to refer to Islamic State. No group has claimed responsibility.
Identities and motives
The two wounded suspects, brothers Onur Ç. and Enes Ç., were taken into custody. Ciftci said the trio had traveled from Izmit to Istanbul in a rental car and that digital records showed "intensive communication" among them. Interrogations are continuing.
Incident timeline
Witnesses reported sustained gunfire lasting 15-20 minutes. Social-media footage captured one attacker being struck by police fire and collapsing to the pavement. Governor Davut Gul confirmed the assailants used rifles and pistols.
Police sealed off the area for several hours, deploying multiple vans and officers. The consulate building itself remained unoccupied; no Israeli diplomatic staff have been stationed in Turkey for the past two and a half years amid strained Ankara-Tel Aviv relations over the Gaza war.
Aftermath and investigation
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced a formal inquiry into the attack. Authorities have not yet released further details on the suspects' backgrounds or potential accomplices.
