ISTANBUL, April 7 : Three people have been killed, and two Turkish police officers have been injured in a gunfight near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Levent district, officials said.
There were no casualties among Israeli personnel.
The consulate, considered a high-security area, has previously faced security threats.
According to Istanbul Governor Davut G l, one attacker was killed immediately, while two others were “neutralized” during a confrontation with law enforcement. ”
“An attack occurred against our police force. Two of our police officers were injured. One of the terrorists was killed, and two others were neutralized with injuries. This major attack was overcome with minimal damage thanks to the precautions taken by our police,” G l stated.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities have not yet released further details about suspects and motives.
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa ift i provided additional details, saying the attackers arrived in Istanbul from Izmit in a rental vehicle.
“Three individuals who engaged in an armed clash with our police officers on duty in front of the Yap Kredi Plaza Blocks have been neutralized. Two of our heroic police officers sustained minor injuries. The identities of the terrorists have been identified. One is linked to an organization that exploits religion, and one of the two brothers among them has a drug record,” ift i said in a statement posted on X.
The incident occurred around midday on B y kdere Street, prompting a rapid deployment of police and medical units.
Turkish media reported that the term “neutralized” indicates the attackers were either killed or captured, with two confirmed dead and one wounded.
No Israeli diplomats were present at the consulate in Istanbul.
Relations between Turkey and Israel have sharply deteriorated following the war in Gaza.
Justice Minister Ak n G rlek confirmed that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an immediate investigation. A deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned to the case and are conducting a thorough, on-site examination of the incident, Anadolu news reported.
(UNI)
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