Turkey investigating attack on Iraqi consulate in Istanbul

Police cordon off the area where the Iraqi consulate general is located in Istanbul following attack on March 21, 2025. Photo: Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the Friday night attack on the Iraqi consulate in Istanbul. Assailants on motorcycles opened fire on the building, the spokesperson for the Turkish foreign ministry said on Saturday.

“This evening, individuals on motorcycles opened fire on Iraq’s Consulate General in Istanbul. No casualties or material losses were recorded,” Oncu Keceli was quoted as saying by Turkish state media. 

He added that security forces have launched a probe into the incident and that Ankara remains in close coordination with Baghdad to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable. 

The attack took place in Istanbul’s Sisli district by two individuals on a motorcycle.

Iraq’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the assailants “used a Kalashnikov rifle firing eight bullets at the facade of the building before fleeing.”

Baghdad praised "the swift response of the Turkish authorities and the security measures they took” and noted "the importance of enhancing the necessary measures to protect diplomatic missions in accordance with international agreements."