2008 attack on the United States consulate in Istanbul

Infobox terrorist attack
title=2008 United States consulate in Istanbul attack


caption=U.S. Consulate in Istanbul
location=Consulate of America, Istanbul, Turkey
target=American consulate
date=July 9, 2008
time-begin=11:00 local time. (0800 GMT)
time-end=
timezone=
type=Gunfire at the US Consulate
fatalities=6 [http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3472618,00.html Six Killed in Gunfight Outside US Consulate in Istanbul] . "Deutsche Welle". 2008-07-09.]
injuries=several
susperps=Al-Qaeda allegedFraser, Susan. [http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/ci_9825906 Gunmen attack US consulate in Turkey; 6 dead] . "Associated Press". "The Mercury News". 2008-07-09.]

The 2008 United States consulate in Istanbul attack was a result of gunfire on the consulate resulting in six casualties; of which three were gunmen, and three police officers. The attack was carried out by four unknown gunmen. It occurred on July 9, 2008 in the morning hours, at a time when the embassy is at full function and an attack is most likely to cause more casualties. It is the responsibility of the host state to take care of security as per Article 30 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. [ [http://www.worldinbalance.net/agreements/1961-vienna-diplomaticrelations.html Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Optional Protocols] . "Center for a World in Balance".]

The attack

Armed with pistols and shotguns, the attackers arrived in a car and then got out. At least one of them quickly opened fire near the main entrance to the compound. At least two of the attackers are known to have been Turkish nationals. Footage from a security camera at the site showed, as the shootout was unfolding, four armed and bearded men emerging from a Ford Focus, killing a traffic policeman, then running toward a guard post some 50 yards away as other policemen fired back. [ [http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=51854 Terrorists attacked US Consulate General in Istanbul reported to be Al-Qaeda members] . "Azeri-Press Agency". 2008-07-09.] At least one attacker escaped from the scene. Reports indicated no American casualties in the attack. [Sezer, Murad. [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hs9OLHAE4GTI_rAighejQI4aHWdwD91Q9U700 Attack outside US consulate in Turkey, 6 dead] . "Associated Press". Google News. 2008-07-09.]

Two of the slain police officers were identified as Erdal Oztas, 28, from the village of Karahacik located in Corum Province, and Nedim Calik. [ [http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/07/09/1650497-man-charged-in-attack-on-us-consulate-in-turkey Man charged in attack on US consulate in Turkey] . "Associated Press". Newsvine. 2008-07-09.]

NTV television and Dogan News Agency identified the attackers as Erkan Kargin, 26, and Raif Topcil, 20, from the southeastern city of Bitlis and Bulent Cinar, 23, from the eastern city of Igdir. Police would not confirm their identities, but Interior Minister Besir Atalay said two of the assailants had criminal records.

In response to the attack, the US has increased security at all of its Turkish diplomatic missions. [Tait, Robert. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/09/turkey.usa1 US steps up security in Turkey after Istanbul embassy attack kills six] . "The Guardian". 2008-07-09.]

Prior attacks

In 2003 al-Qaeda had once again been claimed to be the perpetrators of the attack on the British consulate. Although the comparison is slight, it bears relevance in Turkey's burgeoning image as a target for terrorists.

International reaction

* - White House spokesman, Tony Fratto said, "We strongly condemn the attack." However, he did add "I'm not yet in a position to comment on the facts or nature of the attack." US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson called the assault by gunmen on a guardpost outside the US consulate in Istanbul "an obvious act of terrorism" aimed at the United States. In remarks about the death of the three police officers he said, "The persons who lost their lives are Turkish citizens and we are very sad about that." [ [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j8sHVfBF3JHvQsP_XDp4S8YLu-yA White House condemns attack near US consulate in Istanbul] . "Agence France-Presse". 2008-07-09.] He added that "The Turkish police responded quickly and effectively. We are deeply grateful for the work that they do to protect our official U.S. government establishments here." In response to the attack, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, "Obviously first of all the United States deeply regrets the loss of life and condolences go out to the families of those who were killed. I know that some policemen were among those who died and we very much appreciate what was clearly a very rapid and proper response from the government to try to deal with the security situation in front of our consulate."

* - Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler stated that "There is no doubt that this is a terrorist attack" and described the three slain policemen as "martyred." President Abdullah Gul of Turkey condemned the attack and pledged that his country would "fight against those who masterminded such acts and the mentality behind it until the end." [King, Laura. [http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2008/07/10/attack_at_the_us_consulate_in_turkey_leaves_6_dead/ Attack at the US Consulate in Turkey leaves 6 dead] . "Los Angeles Times". The Boston Globe. 2008-07-10.]

Allegations of al-Qaeda involvement

Turkish officials have blamed al-Qaeda, and the US did not rule out al-Qaeda support. [ [http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN09411069 US can't rule out al Qaeda in Istanbul attack] . "Reuters". 2008-07-09.]

On July 13, 2008, one suspect was arrested and charged with membership in a terror organization in connection to the attack on the consulate. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/13/AR2008071301468.html Man charged in attack on US consulate in Turkey] . "Associated Press". The Washington Post. 2008-07-13.] Another two individuals were also charged and released pending trials. In all, twelve individuals have been detained for questioning related to the attacks.

ee also

* Foreign relations of Turkey

References