A Kazakh citizen, Arif Ismailov, employed as a courier for a private logistics company, was shot dead in central Istanbul, Türkiye, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

The incident took place on Zeynep Kamil Street in the Balabanağa neighborhood of the Fatih district, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

An unknown assailant opened fire on Ismailov before fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Following the shooting, an operational search by the Istanbul Police Department, in coordination with the Edirne Provincial Gendarmerie, led to the detention of two suspects. Authorities had initially tracked the suspects after they reportedly fled the city by car. While the suspects were not found in the vehicle, gendarmerie teams conducted an extensive search using drones.

Eventually, two Georgian citizens were apprehended near the state border while attempting illegal entry. The detainees were handed over to Istanbul police, and the driver faces trial on charges of migrant smuggling.

The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of Ismailov, noting that the shooting occurred on March 31.

Turkish law enforcement agencies continue to carry out the necessary investigations.