One Gunman Killed, Two Injured in Shootout Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul
Turkish authorities confirm attack as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemns “heinous act of terror”
- One attacker killed, two injured; police officers slightly wounded
- Assailants reportedly from Izmit, two of them brothers
- No Israeli diplomatic staff harmed; investigation ongoing
One gunman was killed and two others injured in a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, an attack that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described as a “heinous act of terror.”
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed that two police officers were “slightly injured” during the gunfight. The attackers reportedly travelled from Izmit in a rental car, and two of them were brothers.
In a statement on X, the interior ministry identified the deceased gunman as Yunus E.S., who it said was “connected to the terrorist organisation that exploits religion,” a reference believed to be the Islamic State group, although no organisation has claimed responsibility.
The two injured attackers were named as Onur Ç and Enes Ç, the ministry confirmed. Both police officers were reported in stable condition, one wounded in the leg and the other in the ear.
Governor Davut Gul said the assailants used rifles and pistols in the broad daylight attack. No Israeli diplomatic staff were present at the consulate in the Besiktas district during the incident.
Authorities noted “intensive digital communication” among the three attackers and said interrogations of the injured individuals are ongoing. Social media videos appear to show one gunman being shot by police, while witnesses reported that gunfire continued intermittently for 15–20 minutes.
President Erdogan emphasised that “we will not allow the climate of trust in Turkey to be damaged by such vile and timed provocations as today’s attack.”
