3 terrorists killed in Istanbul gunfight, 2 police officers wounded

Turkish security forces successfully neutralized three terrorists following an armed confrontation Tuesday outside Yapi Kredi Plaza on Buyukdere Street in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci announced. Two police officers were lightly wounded in the exchange. Ciftci said the suspects had arrived in Istanbul from the nearby city of Izmit in a rental car. Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the attackers had links to a group that exploits religion, while another—part of a pair of brothers among the assailants—had a prior criminal record related to drug offenses.

Officials launch investigation, praise rapid response

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul described the incident as a “provocative act.” Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office “immediately initiated an investigation,” assigning a deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors to the case. Prosecutors arrived at the scene swiftly and began on-site examinations. Gurlek added that the probe is being conducted “meticulously and in a multi-faceted manner” in coordination with law enforcement. Initial findings indicate that the attack specifically targeted Turkish police officers deployed in the area.

‘Terror-free Türkiye’ goal reaffirmed

Communications Director Burhanettin Duran stated on X that the security forces’ rapid and decisive intervention “prevented a potentially larger threat.” He emphasized that the attack would not weaken Ankara’s determination to achieve its “terror-free Türkiye” and “terror-free region” goals, vowing that the state will continue its fight against threats and provocations with resolve. The incident comes as Türkiye remains on high alert against domestic and cross-border terrorist threats, while also managing regional instability from the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Ankara has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond swiftly to attacks, maintaining public safety through coordinated intelligence and rapid reaction forces.