Kamal Ghorui
At least two gunmen were shot dead and one severely wounded after firing shots outside the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday afternoon, according to Turkish media and video footage from Reuters. The gun battle, which lasted several minutes, broke out in the city’s financial district, prompting a heavy police response and a temporary lockdown of the surrounding area. Footage circulating showed police officers taking cover behind vehicles and exchanging fire for nearly ten minutes as shots echoed through the streets. Two people could be seen lying on the ground.According to a Reuters report, the bodies of two assailants were later found near grassy areas close to the consulate building. According to AFP, citing local media reports, the incident occurred around 12.15pm local time. NTV broadcast images showing a heavy police deployment surrounding the consulate premises, located in Istanbul’s bustling business hub. Turkish outlets reported that the three attackers were armed with rifles, dressed in camouflage gear, and carrying backpacks.Turkish state broadcaster TRT reported that two police officers were injured in the confrontation. “Police are working to identify the attackers near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul,” said the Istanbul governor’s office, confirming that the assailants had used automatic rifles and handguns in the assault. The governor also noted that no diplomatic personnel had been at the consulate for the past 2.5 years. The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear as authorities continue to investigate the incident. Local news outlets described the area around the consulate—located inside a tower complex—as a major business hub, where multiple police and security vehicles were stationed following the shooting. Safety cordons have since been put in place as forensic teams examine the scene.
