Three Killed in Shootout Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Two Police Officers Wounded

Three individuals were killed and two police officers were wounded during a shootout near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday. The incident took place in the Besiktas district, where the consulate is located. Turkish officials reported that the attackers arrived in a vehicle equipped with pistols and long-range rifles.

Istanbul's provincial governor confirmed that two of the deceased were assailants, while the third was a police officer. The two wounded officers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. The event unfolded when the gunmen opened fire on police near the consulate building.

The assailants approached the area by car before initiating the attack, according to Istanbul authorities.

Police responded immediately, leading to a confrontation that ended with the gunmen killed at the scene. No injuries were reported among consulate staff or civilians. Al Jazeera cited Turkish media reports stating that three people were involved in the gunfire.

The Jerusalem Post noted that several gunmen opened fire, though the exact number remains unconfirmed across sources. It is unclear if the consulate was specifically targeted.

police secured the area following the shootout, and an investigation into the attackers' identities and motives is underway.

The New York Times reported that officials described the men as armed with pistols and long-range rifles. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. The consulate continues normal operations, with no disruptions mentioned.

Istanbul authorities have not released further details on the wounded officers' conditions.