Media: Attack on Israeli consulate in Istanbul motivated by protest, not ISIS

The armed attack on the Israeli consulate in Istanbul was motivated by protest and was not carried out by Islamic State (ISIS), according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, citing Interior Ministry data.

“The attack on the consulate was not the work of ISIS,” the report stated.

According to Hurriyet, the attackers were unemployed and had contact with radical Salafi groups. At least one participant “was linked to ISIS for some time but later distanced himself.” 

The group decided independently to target the consulate as a protest against Israel’s actions.

Three armed men attacked the Israeli diplomatic mission on April 7. The consulate has been non-operational for over two years, so no staff were inside at the time; only on-duty police were nearby. 

One attacker was killed during the exchange of fire, while the other two were injured and arrested. Two police officers were also wounded. Turkish authorities initially reported a link to ISIS. In total, 11 people have been detained in connection with the consulate attack.

By Jeyhun Aghazada