Latest News from Turkey
ISIS-Linked Attack on Israeli Consulate in Istanbul
Three armed militants in tactical gear attacked a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, resulting in a gunfight that left one attacker dead, two wounded, and two police officers with minor injuries. The deceased attacker was identified as Yunus Emre Sarban, who had Islamic State links and had previously been charged with IS membership in 2019.
Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced a nationwide anti-IS operation, detaining 198 suspects in relation to the attack.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon
Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement firmly condemning ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which have intensified and caused numerous casualties. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the international community must act immediately to end the Israeli occupation of Lebanon and protect civilians, as the attacks are worsening the humanitarian situation.
Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed at least 182 people and wounded 890 according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Turkey Calls for Expanded Ceasefire to Include Lebanon
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged that a Middle East ceasefire should include Lebanon, which is facing heavy Israeli attacks, stating "We hope that the ceasefire will be fully implemented on the ground, including in Lebanon." Fidan also encouraged warring parties to adopt a conciliatory approach in Pakistan-brokered talks between Iran and the United States.
Turkish and Syrian Foreign Ministers Hold Talks in Ankara
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani held high-level talks in Ankara on April 9, 2026, focusing on regional stability, diplomatic cooperation, and ongoing Middle East conflicts. The meeting addressed improving bilateral relations, security coordination, and humanitarian challenges affecting both nations and the wider region.
Gratis Retail Chain Fires Employees for Mocking Police Response
Turkey's personal care retail chain Gratis launched an internal investigation and fired several employees for apparently ridiculing police responders during the Israeli Consulate attack and posting videos on social media. Eight Gratis staffers have been detained in connection with the incident.
Deceased Istanbul Attacker Had Previously Released After IS Charges
The deceased attacker Yunus Emre Sarban was charged with IS membership in 2019 on suspicion of preparing an attack but was released after five months in custody. His assets were later frozen in 2021 over links to IS financial networks and were reactivated in August 2024 following his acquittal.
Two Other Istanbul Attackers Identified as Brothers
The two injured assailants remaining in police custody have been identified as brothers, with one having a criminal record for drug offenses according to Interior Minister statements. Both attackers remain under investigation as part of the broader anti-IS operation.
European Governments Restrict Turkey's Religious Authority Operations
European governments continue to impose financial and regulatory restrictions on Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and its affiliated networks, with authorities treating the institution as a vehicle for projecting Ankara's political influence. Restrictions include freezing bank accounts, expanded mosque oversight, and stricter visa rules for religious personnel, with some locally collected donations remaining inaccessible for extended periods.
Diyanet Operates 2,430 Personnel Abroad in Religious and Humanitarian Services
According to parliamentary briefing data, Turkey's Diyanet currently operates abroad with 2,430 personnel engaged in religious services, education and humanitarian activities, largely financed through affiliated foundations rather than direct state budget allocations. Turkey's imam-hatip religious high schools graduate approximately 70,000 to 80,000 students annually, while theology faculties produce between 8,000 and 10,000 graduates each year.
Turkey Expands Strategic Investments in Horn of Africa
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his first trip to Ethiopia in over a decade in February, where he received a red-carpet welcome and signed important economic agreements pointing to energy and infrastructure deals. Erdogan's regional engagement grows out of Turkey's longstanding relationship with Somalia, where Turkish F-16 fighter jets have recently deployed to help combat the Al-Shabab insurgency.
Turkey's Oil Dependency Drives Horn of Africa Energy Strategy
Turkey currently imports roughly 90 percent of its oil and natural gas, a dependency leaving it exposed to global price swings that affect the country's economic stability. According to Central Bank of Turkey economists, a $10 increase in per-barrel oil prices adds approximately $2.6 billion to the country's current account deficit over 12 months and increases inflation by roughly 1.2 percentage points.