Gunfight at Israel’s Istanbul Consulate Leaves One Attacker Dead, Two Police Officers Wounded
A gunfight erupted outside Israel’s consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, leaving at least one attacker dead and two police officers lightly wounded after three assailants opened fire near a permanent security checkpoint, officials confirmed.
Istanbul governor Davut Gul, speaking to reporters at the scene, said two of the shooters were neutralised one killed, the other injured while two police officers sustained minor wounds, Reuters and other news agencies reported.
Footage obtained by Reuters showed one of the apparent attackers, dressed in a dark top and carrying a backpack, moving between parked white police and security buses while firing an automatic rifle and a handgun. Police officers were seen drawing weapons and taking cover as the exchange of fire lasted at least 10 minutes.
Gunfight Caught on Camera
Early visuals circulated by Reuters showed an officer ducking for cover amid the sound of gunshots, with one person visible covered in blood. A separate video, purportedly shot at the scene, captured gunfire and screaming in the background. Another clip that surfaced shortly after appeared to show police fire bringing down one of the assailants.
(The below image contains sensitive content that may disturb some. Viewer discretion is advised)
The Israeli consulate in Istanbul is typically surrounded by heavy security. Governor Gul confirmed the attackers used rifles and firearms in the assault. No immediate information was available on the identity of the assailants or their motive.
Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that an investigation has been launched, the Associated Press reported, citing Haberturk. The consulate reportedly occupies one or two floors within a high-rise building. A source close to the case told AFP that no Israeli diplomat was present in Turkish territory at the time of the attack.
(The below image contains sensitive content that may disturb some. Viewer discretion is advised)
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti wrote on X that the attackers had traveled to Istanbul from the neighbouring city of Izmit in a rented vehicle. He said one of the assailants was linked to a group he described as “exploiting religion,” without naming the organisation.
The attack comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli missile and drone strikes on Iran. The strikes on February 28 triggered a full-scale conflict, with US President Donald Trump now seeking to bring it to a close, having issued the Iranians a deadline of “Tuesday 8 PM Eastern Time” to stand down.