Gunmen open fire on Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul

NEWSROOM — The Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul was attacked Friday night by unknown gunmen on a motorcycle who opened fire with a Kalashnikov rifle, according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The assailants fired eight rounds at the consulate’s front before fleeing. No one was injured.

Shortly after the attack, the Iraqi consul general and consulate staff arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Turkish security forces cordoned off the area, began collecting evidence, and launched an investigation in the presence of Iraqi diplomatic representatives.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms its continued follow-up with the relevant Turkish authorities to uncover the circumstances of the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable,” the statement said, praising “the swift response by the Turkish authorities and the security measures taken.”

The ministry stressed “the importance of enhancing the necessary measures to protect diplomatic missions in accordance with international agreements.”