Turkiye: Authorities responding to hostage situation in Gebze as of afternoon Feb. 1 /update 1

Authorities are responding to a reported hostage situation at 700 Ihsan Dede Caddesi in Gebze as of the afternoon of Feb. 1. An armed man allegedly stormed a foreign-owned factory, taking 7 hostages. The attacker's motivation is allegedly to express protest against foreign support for Israel. It is unclear if any injuries have occurred as a result of the incident. Authorities closed nearby roads and are assembled near the incident site.

A large-scale security presence is almost certain in the area until the situation is resolved. Additional road closures cannot be ruled out.