Armed Attack on Police Post in Istanbul Leaves Three Assailants Killed

Three attackers armed with long-barreled weapons were neutralized after opening fire near a police checkpoint in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district. Two police officers were injured but are not in life-threatening condition. Authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation, detaining several suspects linked to the attack.

Attack Unfolds Near Police Checkpoint

The incident took place in the Levent neighborhood on Cömert Street, outside the Yapı Kredi Plaza, where a police team was stationed.

According to officials, three assailants arrived at the scene in a vehicle around midday and exited with long-barreled firearms. Police attempted to stop them, but the suspects ignored warnings, triggering a gunfight.

Security forces responded immediately, and a clash ensued.

Casualties and Immediate Response

• Three attackers neutralized: one killed, two wounded
• Two police officers injured: both sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized
• No life-threatening conditions reported

Emergency services and additional police units were quickly dispatched to the area, while major roads, including sections of Büyükdere Avenue, were temporarily closed to traffic.

Authorities later confirmed that ammunition was found in bags belonging to the attackers.

Investigation and Suspect Identification

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation led by a deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors.

Initial findings revealed:

• The suspects traveled from Izmit to Istanbul in a rented vehicle
• The deceased attacker was identified as Yunus Emre S.
• The two injured suspects, Onur Ç. and Enes Ç., are brothers

Security forces conducted forensic analysis at the scene, including fingerprint collection from the vehicle used in the attack.

Links to Terror Organization

According to the Interior Ministry:

• The deceased attacker had links to a religion-based terrorist organization
• The suspects were found to have intensive digital communication among themselves
• One of the injured suspects had a prior criminal record related to narcotics

Authorities stated that interrogations of the wounded suspects are ongoing.

Additional Arrests

As part of the investigation:

• Five additional suspects were detained for alleged links to the attackers
• Police continue to examine connections and broader networks behind the incident

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said the investigation is being carried out “with full determination” to uncover all aspects of the attack and identify any affiliated structures.

Eyewitness Accounts and Location Sensitivity

Footage showed police taking cover and returning fire as shots rang out. Witnesses reported that the attackers exited a vehicle and immediately attempted to open fire before being engaged by security forces.

The area is a densely populated commercial hub in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, hosting numerous businesses and international offices.

Authorities are still determining whether a specific diplomatic or symbolic target was intended.

Official Reactions

Both Türkiye and Israel condemned the incident as an act of terrorism.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated:

“We appreciate the swift action of Turkish security forces. Terror will not deter us.”

Turkish officials emphasized that the state will continue to act decisively against any threat to public order and national security.

Situation Under Control

Following the completion of forensic work:

• Traffic in the area has returned to normal
• Security measures remain in place
• Investigations continue into possible broader connections

Officials reiterated that Türkiye’s security forces remain fully capable of responding to and neutralizing threats.