The Turkish authorities’ investigation into the armed attack outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul is ongoing, with the number of arrests rising significantly after new police operations.

Turkish authorities have launched new operations following the attack, resulting in an increase in the number of suspects taken into custody. The operations were carried out in several cities, while interrogations and identification procedures continue.

The number of those arrested in the terrorist attack outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul has reached 11. Initially, after yesterday’s shootout, three people were taken into custody, while two others were arrested wounded.

A new operation conducted today brought the total number of those arrested to eleven. Eight of the suspects are reportedly being processed at the Istanbul Police Directorate, while the two injured alleged attackers are expected to be transferred to police after completing their hospitalization.

A suspect was arrested in Nicomedia and another in Ikonio as part of separate police operations.

– Investigation into comments on video of attack –

Prosecutors have launched a separate investigation into videos circulating on social media that allegedly contain offensive comments about the officers who intervened in the incident.

According to a statement from the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office, an ex officio investigation has been launched by the Press Crimes Investigation Bureau regarding videos released by media outlets and social media platforms.

The statement said the prosecution is investigating an incident captured on video during yesterday’s terrorist attack outside the Israeli Consulate. According to the statement, individuals on social media and social networks addressed ironic and insulting expressions to Turkish police officers who intervened to deal with the attack and ensure public order.

More specifically, the phrase “you right-back, I left-back” was allegedly uttered, which, according to the prosecution, downplayed the seriousness of the work of the security forces and attempted to discredit them in the eyes of the public, especially at a time when there was an active threat to security.

The authorities consider that such expressions do not constitute mere disrespect, but may harm public order and public sentiment. For this reason, the suspects are being considered for prosecution under Article 301/2 of the Turkish Penal Code on public insult to the State Police, as well as Article 216/1 on inciting hatred and hostility or insult.

The Turkish authorities also note that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the persons involved.

– The attack –

The attack occurred in one of the busiest areas of Istanbul, causing panic among citizens and a major police mobilization.

The incident occurred yesterday, Tuesday, on Bouyükdere Avenue in Besiktas, where the Israeli consulate building is located. Three assailants, who arrived by car, allegedly opened fire with long-barrelled guns at police officers in the area.

During the exchange of fire, one of the gunmen was killed, while the other two were arrested wounded. Two police officers were slightly injured.

The melee lasted several minutes on a busy street, with civilians trying to protect themselves behind parked vehicles.

The authorities also said that the gunmen had arrived in Istanbul from Nicomedia in a rented car, and that the two wounded gunmen are brothers. The gunman who was killed was reported to have links to the Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group.