A gunman was killed and two others wounded in a shootout with police outside a building housing Israel's consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, Turkish authorities reported.
The attack took place in the city's Levent district. Three assailants arrived in a rental car from the nearby Kocaeli province and opened fire on officers stationed outside the consulate building using rifles and pistols, according to officials. Police responded immediately, neutralizing the threat in the ensuing gunfight.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul stated that one terrorist was killed and two others were "neutralized in a wounded state," while two police officers suffered light injuries. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci identified the slain attacker as Yunus E. S., who had connections to a "religion-exploiting organization," though he did not name the group. The two wounded assailants were identified as brothers Onur C. and Enes C., and all were taken into custody.
No Israeli diplomats or staff were present at the consulate at the time, as Israel's missions in Turkey were unstaffed, a foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed. Three prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident.
Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the "terrorist attack" and thanked Turkish security forces for their "swift action in thwarting this attack." Israeli missions around the world have been subjected to countless threats and terrorist attacks. Terror will not deter us," the ministry said in a statement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein noted the consulate was not staffed during the assault.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that the country "will continue our struggle against all forms of terrorism." The U.S. ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack, also condemned the attack and commended Turkish forces for their response.
The incident occurred amid strained Turkey-Israel relations, exacerbated by the ongoing Gaza conflict. Turkey has hosted protests against Israel and criticized its military operations, while Israeli diplomatic sites worldwide have faced heightened security threats. No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack.
Videos from the scene showed police taking cover amid gunfire and later securing the area, with armed officers patrolling nearby. Authorities continue to probe possible motives and affiliations.
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