A gunfight broke out outside the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, April 7, leaving multiple attackers dead and police officers injured, according to media reports.
Reuters reported that at least two attackers were killed and one seriously injured in an exchange of fire with police that lasted about 10 minutes.
Turkish authorities said three attackers were “neutralized” and two police officers were wounded.
Conflicting reports, ongoing investigation
Footage verified by Reuters showed armed individuals firing near police vehicles as officers took cover during the shooting.
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said the attackers had been identified and traveled to Istanbul in a rented vehicle.
He added that one suspect had alleged links to an extremist group, while another had a criminal record.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, according to Turkey’s justice minister.
Possible target, security context
Local outlet Hurriyet reported that the attack occurred directly outside a tower in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, where the Israeli consulate is located.
Two police officers were reported to have sustained minor injuries.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, security around Israeli diplomatic sites in Turkey has been heightened.
A source cited by Reuters said no Israeli diplomats are currently stationed in Turkey.