Gunfight erupts outside building housing Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

A gunfight broke out outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district on April 7, leaving a suspect dead and police officers wounded, according to Turkish authorities.

The area was sealed off and a large number of police units were dispatched to the scene.

 “One terrorist was killed and two were wounded. Thanks to the measures taken by our police, we managed to weather this major attack with minimal damage. Efforts to identify the deceased are ongoing. This was an act that reeks of provocation,” Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said,

Earlier in a statement, Istanbul police said three suspects were neutralized.

Authorities also said police officers were injured in the exchange of fire. The motive behind the incident and the identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said a judicial investigation had been launched into reports of gunfire near the consulate area. He said one deputy chief public prosecutor and two prosecutors had been assigned to the case and had begun their examination.

The Israeli Consulate is located in the Levent area of Beşiktaş. Authorities have not announced any damage to the consulate itself.