Turkish authorities have detained nine people as part of an investigation into an attack on police outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul that left one assailant dead, according to the state run Anadolu Agency.
Two other assailants were wounded and taken into custody during Tuesday’s shootout in the city’s financial and business district. Officials said two police officers also sustained minor injuries in the exchange of fire.
The incident took place near a site associated with the Israeli Consulate, which officials said was closed at the time. Israel had withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey earlier amid security concerns and worsening relations between the two countries following the outbreak of the Gaza war.
Arrests across multiple provinces
Authorities moved quickly after the attack, carrying out coordinated operations in several locations. According to Anadolu Agency, nine suspects were detained in raids conducted in Istanbul as well as in the provinces of Konya and Kocaeli. They were being questioned alongside the two wounded assailants, though officials did not release further details about their alleged roles.
Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said one of the attackers had links to a group that “exploits religion,” but did not name the organization. Turkish authorities have not formally attributed responsibility for the attack.
He added that the attackers had traveled from the city of Izmit in Kocaeli province using a rented vehicle. The two captured assailants were identified as brothers, Onur C. and Enes C. Officials said one of them had a prior criminal record related to drug offenses.
Security concerns and past attacks
The attack comes against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Turkey, particularly in major cities such as Istanbul, which has previously been targeted by extremist groups.
The Islamic State group has carried out a number of deadly attacks in Turkey in recent years, although there has been no confirmation that it was involved in this incident. Turkish officials have not publicly linked the assault to any specific organization.
Security around diplomatic missions has been tightened in the past due to regional tensions, especially following conflicts involving Israel. The closure of the consulate building at the time of the attack likely limited the potential for casualties among diplomatic staff.
Diplomatic response
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and expressed appreciation for the response by Turkish authorities, noting that security forces prevented further violence.
Relations between Israel and Turkey have been strained since the start of the Gaza war, with both countries taking measures affecting diplomatic presence and cooperation.
Despite tensions, the response to the attack reflects continued coordination on security matters when incidents involve diplomatic facilities.
Investigations into the motive and network behind the attackers are ongoing, with authorities continuing to question those detained as they seek to determine whether the assault was part of a broader plot or an isolated act.
