Istanbul's Israeli consulate under attack: 3 Dead, 1 attacker in custody

Istanbul/Turkey (The Uttam Hindu): Three people have been killed in a shooting near the Israeli Embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. Initial information suggests all the deceased were attackers. Two police officers were also injured in the exchange of fire. The incident occurred near the embassy in Istanbul's Besiktas neighborhood.

According to local reports, the embassy has been closed for the past two years. However, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, strict security measures have been put in place and a heavy police presence is maintained. According to Turkish media outlets NTV Turkey and CNN Turkey, the attackers were moving towards the embassy. Police tried to stop them, but despite warnings, they did not stop, after which firing continued between the two sides for about 10 minutes. Three attackers were killed in retaliatory action, while one injured attacker has been arrested.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage showed chaos during the shooting. A police officer was seen firing in self-defense, while a man was seen lying in a pool of blood.

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi confirmed the deaths of three attackers in the encounter. He said all the attackers have been identified. They arrived in Istanbul from Izmit in a rented car. One of them is said to be associated with a religious organization, while two of the attackers were brothers. One of them also has a criminal record related to drug dealing.

According to media reports, long guns, large quantities of ammunition, and bags were also recovered from the attackers, raising suspicions of a larger conspiracy. Meanwhile, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek has ordered an investigation into the incident and appointed three officials. He stated that the case is being thoroughly investigated from every angle. However, he has not yet clarified whether the attack was motivated by any particular community or ideology.