Two killed in gun battle outside Israeli consulate in Istanbul

At least two attackers were killed and one critically injured in a prolonged gun battle with police outside a building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, according to media reports and Reuters footage.

The exchange of fire, which lasted nearly 10 minutes, showed police taking cover and returning fire as shots rang out in the city’s financial district.

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Video visuals indicated that one of the assailants moved between parked police and security buses, firing an automatic rifle and handgun over several minutes.

Two bodies were seen lying in nearby areas, while one individual appeared severely wounded. Reports also said two police personnel were injured in the incident.

Officials said that a gunman was affiliated with "a terror group." The interior ministry said Yunus E.S. "was captured dead" and "had connections with a terrorist group that exploits religion".

However, Turkish officials would not immediately reveal the group the attacker was linked to but Turkish media said it could be Islamic State group.

The attack took place in a high-security zone where a strong police presence has been maintained since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict in 2023. Sources familiar with the matter said there are currently no Israeli diplomats stationed in Turkey.

(With inputs from agencies)