1 dead in assassination attempt on Palestinian businessman in Istanbul

Late Sunday night, a targeted shooting in Istanbul’s Kagithane district resulted in the death of a Palestinian national and severe injuries to two others.

The attack occurred while the victims were seated in their vehicle. Palestinian businessman F.M., his bodyguard E.K., and another Palestinian, A.K. (30), were targeted by masked assailants. While businessman F.M. and bodyguard E.K. were wounded in the attack, Palestinian A.K. (30) in the steering wheel died.

A.K., who was driving, was killed instantly. Businessman F.M., critically injured, and bodyguard E.K., who was shot in the foot, were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

The attack occurred while the victims were seated in their vehicle. Palestinian businessman F.M., his bodyguard E.K., and another Palestinian, A.K. (30), were targeted by masked assailants.

Incident details

The assailants used a silenced weapon, which closely resembles the Beretta 71, a firearm reportedly favored by Mossad agents.

The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack. Authorities are investigating the incident, with a focus on identifying the attackers and their motives.

Investigation and security measures

Police forces promptly secured the area and initiated a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officials discovered a silenced handgun and several used shell casings at the scene.

Official statement from Istanbul Governorship

The deceased Palestinian, A.K., who was found in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, was transported to the Forensic Medicine Institute morgue by ambulance following the completion of on-site investigations by the prosecutor and crime scene teams.

Istanbul Governorate made a statement on the issue. The statement read as follows: “As a result of the armed attack that occurred on Sunday, 18.08.2024 at around 22.30 (11:30 p.m.) in our Kagithane District, a foreign national named A. K. (1994) lost his life and his friend F. M., a foreign national, was seriously wounded. A. K.’s bodyguard E. K. was also injured in the attack. During the investigation at the scene, a pistol with a silencer and many empty casings were found. The treatment of 2 people wounded in the attack continues at the hospital. A large-scale investigation has been launched to catch the perpetrator of the incident.”