12 detained in Turkey over shootout near Israel mission: Report

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Istanbul: Turkish authorities have detained 12 individuals in connection with a deadly shootout that occurred outside the building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul's Levent business district. 

The arrests, carried out across Istanbul and the provinces of Konya and Kocaeli, follow a Tuesday attack that left one assailant dead and two police officers lightly injured.

According to Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci, the incident involved three primary attackers who travelled from the city of Izmit in a rented vehicle. During the exchange of fire, security forces killed one gunman, identified as Yunus E.S., and wounded two others brothers identified as Onur C. and Enes C. The Interior Ministry stated that the deceased gunman had documented ties to a ‘terrorist organisation that exploits religion,’ a phrase often used by Turkish officials to refer to groups like ISIS.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the ’terrorist attack’ and commended the swift response of Turkish security forces. Officials noted that the consulate was unstaffed at the time, as Israel had withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey in late 2023 due to security concerns. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labelled the event a ‘treacherous attack’ intended to undermine the country’s security climate. The Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a comprehensive investigation, with the 12 detainees currently being questioned regarding their potential logistical support for the gunmen.

Photo Credits: AFP