9 suspects arrested related to terror attack in Istanbul

Nine suspects were arrested Saturday in connection with a terror attack targeting a police post in front of the Besiktas district in Istanbul.

An investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is ongoing.

Of the 17 suspects detained, 12 were processed, nine formally arrested, two released under judicial control and one was released after questioning.

Three other suspects are still in police custody, while two of the attackers are receiving medical treatment.

Police findings show that the attackers arrived in a rented car, exited with backpacks and long-barreled weapons, and opened fire on police units nearby.

Officers returned fire.

Authorities determined the attack was planned by ISIS (Daesh).

Those suspects are believed to have acted within the group’s hierarchy, maintained ties to the organization and knowingly assisted the attackers in line with its orders and objectives.

On April 7, three terrorists were neutralized in a gunfight with police working to thwart the attack, while two officers were lightly injured.

Istanbul prosecutors immediately launched an investigation into the incident.

Türkiye’s interior minister said the suspects who engaged in an armed clash with police have been identified, and that "one had links to a group exploiting religion" and another had a prior drug-related record.

Separately, the justice minister said initial findings indicate that the attack targeted Turkish police officers deployed in the area.