12 suspects arrested in connection with attack on Iraq's consulate in Istanbul: Turkish media
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Istanbul police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with the armed attack on Iraq's consulate general in the city, Turkish media reported on Monday.
The pro-government Daily Sabah newspaper said that Turkish authorities 'arrested [a suspect identified by the initials] Y.A., who had assisted two of the suspects in escaping and finding shelter after the attack. The mastermind behind the assault identified [by the initials] B.E. was captured.'
During searches of the suspects' residences, police seized the long-barreled weapon used in the attack, a stolen motorcycle, and a vehicle linked to the criminal organization linked to the attack, the Daily Sabah added.
On Friday, Iraq's foreign ministry stated that unknown assailants 'used a Kalashnikov rifle firing eight bullets at the facade of the building before fleeing the scene.'
Turkish authorities sealed off the street around the consulate and launched an investigation, the ministry said, adding that it is 'continuously following up with the relevant Turkish authorities to ensure the circumstances of the incident are uncovered and the perpetrators are held accountable."
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli stated on Saturday that the attack was carried out by two assailants on a motorcycle, who opened fire at the consulate in Istanbul's Sisli district.
On the day of the attack, Turkish police confirmed that 'no injuries were recorded in the attack' and that police forces 'were advised to increase security and wear bulletproof vests,' according to the Turkish opposition daily Cumhuriyet.
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