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Gun Battle at Israeli Consulate in Istanbul Leaves One Attacker Dead, Two Wounded
A gunman was killed and two others injured during an extended shootout with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul. The incident occurred at the building housing the consulate, which has been empty for over two years. No Israeli diplomats were present in Turkey at the time.
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One attacker died and two were wounded in a prolonged exchange of gunfire with police outside the Israeli consulate building in Istanbul on Wednesday. The clash took place near the consulate's location in the city's Sarayburnu area. Police responded to reports of gunfire, engaging the assailants for an extended period before neutralizing the threat.
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No casualties were reported among police or civilians. The Israeli consulate has remained unoccupied since late 2021, with no Israeli diplomatic staff currently based in Turkey.
confirmed the attackers targeted the consulate building, though the motivation remains under investigation.
Reuters reported the gun battle as extended, lasting several minutes before police subdued the suspects. Two of the wounded attackers were taken into custody, while the third succumbed to injuries at the scene. Istanbul police secured the area, and an investigation into the attack's origins is ongoing.
The building serves as the official site for Israeli consular services, despite its vacancy. BBC News noted the consulate's empty status for the past two-and-a-half years, attributing it to strained diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey.
Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack and affirming commitment to the safety of diplomatic premises.
No group has claimed responsibility for the incident as of Wednesday evening. Israeli officials have not commented publicly on the event. The absence of diplomats in the building likely prevented any direct threat to personnel.
Local media reported heightened security around other diplomatic sites in Istanbul following the shooting. Turkish authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to identify any additional suspects.
