A shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul has led to a gun battle between attackers and police, with three attackers neutralised and two police officers injured, while authorities are investigating the motives for the attack.
If it was an attempted attack on an Israeli target, as Turkish media report, the incident in Istanbul would be an extremely brazen act carried out in broad daylight.
The Istanbul governor said the attackers used rifles and pistols during the armed clash with police. Three attackers were involved in the shooting, with one killed and two wounded and neutralised.
Police officers injured and investigation launched
Two police officers were also injured in the incident, and authorities have launched an investigation. A heavy police force and ambulances have been deployed to the scene, while the area has been completely cordoned off.
Attackers and possible links to organisations
According to the Turkish interior minister, one of the attackers had links to an organisation that exploits religion, while the two attackers are brothers and one of them has a criminal record related to drugs.
Consulate without staff
At the time of the attack, there were no diplomatic staff in the Israeli consulate building, located in Istanbul’s business district. There are also no Israeli diplomats currently stationed in Turkey.
Footage reveals intensity of shooting
Videos from the scene show intense gunfire, with at least twenty shots fired in less than a minute. Police officers were seen taking cover behind vehicles as the exchange of fire continued.
