Three Terrorists Neutralised in Gunfight Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul: Interior Minister

A gunfight broke out near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, leaving three suspects dead and two police officers injured. Turkish authorities said the suspects opened fire on police outside the Yapı Kredi Plaza complex. One suspect, Yunus E.S., was linked to a terrorist group, while the other two, Onur C. and Enes C., are brothers, with Onur having a prior criminal record. Investigations are ongoing, and the consulate has been closed for over two years.

A dramatic gunfight unfolded near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of three armed suspects and injuries to two police officers, Turkish officials reported. The incident has sparked a swift law enforcement response and heightened security concerns in the area.
According to Mustafa Ciftci, the three suspects initiated the confrontation by opening fire on police officers outside the Yapı Kredi Plaza complex, where the Israeli consulate is located. The responding officers returned fire, leading to an intense shootout during which all three assailants were “neutralised.” Both injured police officers suffered minor injuries and have been treated and released, the ministry confirmed.
Akın Gurlek said that prosecutors responded immediately to the reports of gunfire, dispatching a deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors to the scene. “A thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and motivations behind the incident,” Gurlek said. Authorities are actively collecting evidence and coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul clarified that the Israeli consulate within Yapı Kredi Plaza has been closed for approximately two and a half years. While the consulate itself was not operational, the incident underscores ongoing security concerns in Istanbul’s high-profile districts.
Preliminary findings from Türkiye’s Interior Ministry revealed details about the identities and backgrounds of the suspects. Yunus E.S., who was killed in the exchange of gunfire, has been linked to a terrorist organisation that exploits religion for extremist purposes. The two other suspects, Onur C. and Enes C., are brothers who survived the gunfight but were captured with injuries. Authorities noted that Onur C. has a prior record for drug-related offenses, suggesting a history of criminal activity.
Investigators have also discovered intensive digital communication between the three suspects, which may indicate coordinated planning or connections with wider networks. Authorities are conducting detailed interrogations of the surviving suspects to uncover potential motives, accomplices, and the full scope of the planned attack.
The Turkish Interior Ministry stressed that the investigation is being carried out with close coordination among law enforcement, intelligence units, and judicial authorities. Officials are focused on ensuring that all leads are explored, that any potential threats are neutralised, and that public safety is maintained. The incident has prompted increased security measures in central Istanbul and around diplomatic facilities as authorities continue to assess risks.
Analysts suggest that while the consulate itself was closed, the attack could reflect broader regional or ideological tensions, and the authorities are taking every precaution to prevent further incidents. The case remains under active investigation, and updates are expected as officials continue their inquiry into the identities, motivations, and possible networks associated with the suspects.