Turkish security forces have detained almost 200 people in a coordinated nationwide operation following a shootout outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, according to Justice Minister Akin Gurlek.
Gurlek said on X that 198 suspects were arrested across 34 provinces in simultaneous raids targeting what authorities described as the Islamic State group, also known as Daesh.
The operation came a day after a gunman was killed and two others injured in an exchange of fire with police outside the consulate in Istanbul’s Levent district. Two police officers were also lightly wounded in the incident.
Authorities confirmed that 12 suspects have since been placed in pre-trial detention, including the two injured gunmen who are receiving treatment in hospital.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though Turkish media reported that the deceased gunman was a 32-year-old individual with alleged links to IS.
The Interior Ministry said the suspects had connections to a “terrorist organisation”, adding that the two injured attackers were brothers allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities.
Footage from the scene showed one of the attackers armed with an automatic rifle, while officials said the assailants travelled from Izmit in a rented vehicle before carrying out the attack.
The exchange of fire reportedly lasted around 10 minutes, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos in the busy business district.
The Israeli consulate was not occupied at the time, as diplomatic staff had largely been evacuated following the escalation of the Gaza conflict after the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Israeli officials said the incident would not deter their operations, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack and pledged continued action against terrorism.
Turkey has increased counter-terror operations in recent months, including previous raids targeting suspected IS members following deadly attacks on security forces.
