Turkish authorities have confirmed that one attacker was killed and two others arrested following a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul in what officials described as a provocative act targeting security forces.
The incident occurred at around 1215 pm local time near Yapi Kredi Plaza in the Levent district of Besiktas where the consulate is located.
According to the Interior Ministry three assailants engaged police at a security checkpoint leading to an exchange of fire.
One attacker was killed while the other two were wounded and taken into custody.
Two Turkish police officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the Israeli consulate was not staffed at the time noting that Israel has not deployed diplomats in Turkey for about two and a half years due to regional tensions.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects traveled from Izmit using a rental vehicle.
Officials said at least one suspect is linked to what they described as a religiously motivated extremist organization.
Two of the suspects are brothers and one has a prior criminal record related to drug offenses.
The Justice Ministry said prosecutors in Istanbul have launched a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
Officials are working to determine the motive and whether there are links to broader networks.
The governor described the incident as an attempt to provoke security forces amid rising regional tensions.
Security has been reinforced around diplomatic missions across Turkey.
Initial reports suggested three fatalities but authorities clarified that only one attacker was killed.
