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Pakistan, April 8 — A gunman was killed and two others injured in a confrontation with police outside the Israeli embassy in Istanbul, according to Turkish authorities, who mentioned that two officers sustained minor injuries.

Governor Davut Gul verified that one of the attackers was killed during the incident which occurred approximately at 12:15 pm (0915 GMT).

It was not immediately evident who the intended target was—the Israeli consulate. No Israeli diplomats “are currently present in Turkey,” a person aware of the situation informed AFP.

Israeli diplomatic offices were withdrawn “not only in Turkiye but across the region due to security concerns” soon after the October 7, 2023 attacks carried out by the Palestinian organization Hamas on Israeli territory, as reported by the same source.

Israel stated it would not be intimidated, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the “treacherous attack” and promised to combat “all forms of terrorism.”

“We will not permit provocations that could damage Turkiye’s environment of security,” Erdogan stated in a televised address.

“We commend the Turkish security forces for their quick response in preventing this attack. Israeli missions globally have faced numerous threats and acts of terrorism. Terror will not stop us,” stated the Israeli foreign ministry on X.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci stated that the attackers arrived in a hired vehicle from Izmit, a city located approximately 86 kilometers (50 miles) away, and that one of them was associated with an “organization that takes advantage of the region.”

The ministry later explained that the deceased attacker “was linked to a terrorist organization” and mentioned that two police officers “suffered minor injuries.”

The other two attackers were siblings, and one of them has a history of drug-related offenses, it noted.

Video footage revealed an assailant equipped with an automatic rifle, wearing beige cargo pants and a black top, while carrying a backpack.

A witness, who preferred to stay anonymous, told AFP, ‘I saw sudden gunfire erupt. It continued for a considerable time.’

“I witnessed a police officer fall down. Crowds became alarmed,” he stated.

Turkish authorities did not promptly disclose the group, but local media suggested it might be Islamic State, with members engaging in conflicts with police in Yalova — located on the Sea of Marmara approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) southeast of Istanbul.

Militants attacked police in Yalova in December, resulting in the deaths of three officers and nine others being injured.

Turkish authorities have intensified nationwide operations targeting ISIS fighters, arresting 125 individuals following the attack.

TV footage on Tuesday captured police officers firing shots near a bustling street, with an injured individual being transported on a stretcher.

Turkish news outlets stated that the exchange of gunfire continued for approximately 10 minutes.

A significant police force was seen in front of the consulate, situated in the Levent business area on the European side of Istanbul, according to AFP reporters.

They also noticed bloodstains on the ground in a nearby parking lot.

The area around the consulate has increased security protocols even during regular times, as the location is blocked off by police barriers.

The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office has initiated an inquiry, with state-owned TRT television reporting that three individuals have been arrested.