Istanbul authorities neutralize 21-year-old suspected of planning terrorist attack at bus station

A joint operation by police and officers from Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) ended with the neutralization of a 21-year-old man suspected of planning a terrorist attack at a bus station on the outskirts of Istanbul.

According to information obtained by the Turkish authorities, Berkan Cil, 21, was planning to carry out an attack in Turkey on behalf of Islamic State (ISIS).

Security forces initially searched for him at two separate addresses in the districts of Pendik and Tuzla but were unable to find him. Turkish media later reported that authorities learned he had purchased a ticket to travel by bus from Sultanbeyli station.

Police located the 21-year-old at the station. He opened fire on the officers first, and they returned fire and neutralized him.

Berkan Cil was killed in the exchange of fire with police, while another person at the bus station was also injured during the operation.