Suspect Details Planned Consulate Hostage Attack

Turkish authorities arrested Ahmet İmrak, a suspect who recently completed medical treatment. Police in Istanbul arrested Ahmet İmrak following an attack on a police checkpoint in front of the Israeli Consulate. The suspect reportedly planned a hostage situation at the unused consulate building and considered targeting a synagogue or the US Consulate. A suspect reportedly considered attacking a synagogue or a United States consulate as part of a hostage-taking plan. Ahmet İmrak, a suspect injured and arrested during an attempted attack on the US Consulate General in Istanbul on July 9, provided a statement to prosecutors. The suspect and accomplices reportedly distributed handguns and rifles for the intended attacks. The consulate had been empty since diplomats departed Turkey after October 7, 2023. Two people were wounded during the incident. The number of detainees under investigation has risen to 15. Authorities are investigating a potential criminal network linked to Tuncay Sonel. During questioning, İmrak stated that the group planned to take hostages in the consulate building, which has been vacant for approximately two and a half years. He further alleged that the group considered attacking synagogues or the US Consulate.