Pro-government columnist: Istanbul terror attack attempt to undermine Turkey’s reputation

Selvi: Istanbul Attack Aimed to Undermine Türkiye, Security Forces Foiled Plot

Columnist Abdulkadir Selvi described the recent armed attack in Istanbul as a coordinated attempt to damage Türkiye’s international standing, arguing that security forces swiftly neutralised the threat and prevented a broader operation. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with suspected links to extremist networks under scrutiny.

Attack Seen as Part of a Broader Strategy

Abdulkadir Selvi characterised the incident in Istanbul’s Levent district as a “strategic attack” rather than an isolated act of violence, suggesting it was designed to project Türkiye as unstable and vulnerable.

According to Selvi, security forces disrupted what he described as a second phase of a larger plan. One assailant was killed during the clash, while two others were captured.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi sought to reassure the public following the incident, stating that security units remain fully mobilised and are responding decisively to all threats.

Details of the Armed Assault

The attack took place around midday near the rear entrance of a major business complex in Levent, one of Istanbul’s key financial districts.

According to the account, two armed individuals exited a vehicle and opened fire on police officers. Security forces responded immediately, leading to a brief but intense exchange.

One attacker was neutralised at the scene, while two others—later identified as siblings—were apprehended. Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Authorities said a third suspect initially attempted to assist the attackers but was also taken into custody.

Armed Attack on Police Post in Istanbul Leaves Three Assailants Killed

Follow-Up Operations Uncover Wider Network

Police operations continued after the initial clash, leading to the identification of additional suspects believed to have acted as lookouts.

Investigators analysed surveillance footage and mobile phone data, identifying two individuals who had left the scene shortly after the attack in a vehicle. Both were later detained.

Officials said there was significant communication between the suspects and the attackers, primarily through messaging applications and phone calls.

Possible Links to Extremist Groups

Security authorities are examining potential connections between the attackers and extremist organisations, including the possibility that the group operated with links to ISIS or affiliated networks.

One of the suspects killed during the incident was found to have prior links to such groups, according to the report.

Investigators are also reviewing the suspects’ digital activity, including attempts to obscure affiliations through misleading social media posts.

Questions Over Target and Motive

Initial reports suggested the attackers may have aimed to target the Israeli Consulate located in the building. However, the consulate has reportedly been inactive for more than two years.

Selvi argued that the choice of target raises questions about the broader উদ্দেশ of the attack, suggesting it may have been intended to create the perception of a high-profile terrorist incident in central Istanbul.

He framed the incident through the lens of geopolitical competition, suggesting that such attacks could serve narratives portraying Türkiye as insecure.

Government Emphasises Determination

Interior Minister Çiftçi reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining security and public order, stating that Türkiye would not tolerate any threats.

He said investigations are continuing in detail and that all connections linked to the attackers would be uncovered.

“Türkiye has the capacity and determination to eliminate such threats at their source,” Çiftçi said, adding that no group targeting public safety would be allowed to succeed.