Arabic version: مسلح يُقتل في إطلاق نار بالقرب من القنصلية الإسرائيلية في إسطنبول

A gunman was killed and two were injured in a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul. According to BBC News, Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed that two policemen were “slightly injured” during the incident.

The attackers traveled to Istanbul from Izmit by rental car, and two of them were identified as brothers. The gunman killed in the confrontation has been named as Yunus E.S., who authorities claim was “connected to the terrorist organisation that exploits religion,” believed to be linked to the Islamic State group. However, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.

Initial reports suggested that two attackers had died, but local governor Davut Gul later clarified that only one was killed. The two injured individuals were named as Onur Ç and Enes Ç, also identified as brothers. The condition of the two police officers injured in the shooting is not life-threatening, with one sustaining a leg injury and the other injured in the ear.

Governor Gul reported that the attackers used rifles and pistols during the assault, which occurred in broad daylight. Video footage shared on social media captured the moment when police shot one of the armed attackers. Witnesses described the gunfire as loud and prolonged, lasting for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The consulate, located in Istanbul’s Besiktas area, has been empty for the past two-and-a-half years due to deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel over the war in Gaza. Following the shooting, a significant police presence was established around the building, which was cordoned off for several hours. An investigation into the attack is currently underway, according to the Turkish justice minister.