Shooting near Israeli consulate in Istanbul triggers security alert

A shooting incident near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday prompted a major security response, with Turkish authorities launching an investigation into the attack.

Three attackers were killed and two Turkish police officers were wounded in a shooting near the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, according to Turkish officials and media reports.

The gunfire erupted outside the consulate area in Istanbul’s financial district, where Reuters video showed police officers taking cover as shots rang out for several minutes and at least one wounded person lay on the ground.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said one attacker was killed and two others were wounded and captured, while Turkish officials described the incident as a provocative or terrorist-style attack.

Security forces quickly sealed off the area and deployed heavily armed police around the site, while patrols were intensified and prosecutors opened an investigation into the motive and planning behind the assault.

Authorities said the attackers had travelled to Istanbul in a rental vehicle and that at least one suspect had links to an organisation that, in the words of Turkish officials, “exploits religion.”

The Israeli consulate is located in a high-rise building in a densely populated business district of Istanbul and has remained under heavy Turkish police protection since regional tensions escalated.

Turkish and foreign officials said there were no Israeli diplomats stationed at the consulate at the time, but attacks near diplomatic sites remain highly sensitive because of their security and political implications.

The shooting is likely to heighten security concerns in Turkey as regional tensions remain elevated and diplomatic missions continue to be viewed as potential flashpoints.

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