Gunman Killed in Shootout Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Two Officers Injured

A gunman has been killed and two suspects injured following a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, in what Turkish authorities have described as a terrorist attack.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the incident as a “heinous act of terror,” vowing that such attacks would not undermine national security. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed that two police officers were also injured in the exchange of gunfire, though their injuries were not life-threatening.

According to officials, the attackers had travelled to Istanbul from the city of Izmit in a rental car, with two of the suspects identified as brothers. The interior ministry named the deceased gunman as Yunus E.S., stating that he had links to a terrorist organisation “that exploits religion,” a phrase widely understood to refer to the Islamic State group. No organisation has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.

Authorities clarified that only one attacker was killed, correcting earlier reports that suggested two fatalities. The two injured suspects, identified as Onur Ç and Enes Ç, remain in custody as investigations continue.

Officials said the attackers were armed with rifles and pistols and engaged police in a gunfight in broad daylight near the consulate, located in Istanbul’s central Besiktas district. Footage circulating on social media appears to show the moment one of the gunmen was shot by police.

Governor Davut Gul confirmed that no Israeli diplomatic staff were present at the consulate at the time of the incident. The building has reportedly been unoccupied for more than two years amid strained relations between Turkey and Israel over the war in Gaza.

The interior ministry said investigators had uncovered “intensive digital communication” between the suspects and that interrogations of the wounded attackers were ongoing.

“We will not allow the climate of trust in Turkey to be damaged by such vile provocations,” Erdogan said, stressing the government’s determination to maintain stability.