Turkish Authorities Detain 12 Suspects in Attack on Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish security forces have detained 12 individuals in connection with the recent armed assault on the Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul, an incident that has raised significant diplomatic and security concerns in both Ankara and Baghdad. The attack, which took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on March 21 in the Şişli district of Istanbul, involved two assailants on a motorcycle who discharged nine rounds from long-barreled firearms at the diplomatic compound before fleeing the scene. Although no casualties were reported, several bullets struck the building.

According to a report by Hürriyet Daily News, the two attackers were injured in a traffic accident while attempting to escape on a highway in the northern part of the city. The crash led to their apprehension by police, who later identified the suspects by their initials: Ömer Ç. and S.H., the latter a minor under the age of 18.

Further investigations by the Turkish authorities led  to a suspected cell house in Istanbul’s Silivri district. On March 23, Turkish police arrested three additional suspects in the western province of İzmir, including another minor, for their alleged roles in the planning and support of the attack. Seven others were detained in Şişli on charges of masterminding the assault, inciting violence, and aiding the attackers’ escape. In total, 12 suspects, including three minors, have been taken into custody.

Searches conducted across several locations uncovered a long-barreled rifle believed to have been used in the attack, a stolen motorcycle used in the escape, and a vehicle linked to the militant network. However, Turkish authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the suspects’ affiliations or the motive behind the attack.

In response to the assault, Ankara condemned the attack on the Iraqi Consulate and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting diplomatic missions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli emphasized that Turkish authorities are maintaining close coordination with their Iraqi counterparts and pledged continued efforts to ensure the safety of Iraqi diplomatic staff and facilities in Ankara, Istanbul, and Gaziantep.

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a formal statement but is expected to seek additional assurances from Turkish officials in light of the attack. Armed assaults on diplomatic premises remain a highly sensitive issue, often prompting diplomatic tensions and calls for enhanced security.

The swift response by Turkish law enforcement highlights efforts to de-escalate any diplomatic fallout and reassure the international community about Türkiye’s ability to safeguard foreign missions. As the investigation continues, more information is expected to emerge regarding the background of the suspects and potential affiliations with militant or criminal organizations.

This incident reignited concerns over diplomatic security in Istanbul, a city that hosts numerous international missions.