US closes diplomatic missions in Türkiye

(Baonghean.vn) - The US Embassy in Ankara said that US consular offices in Türkiye will be closed from December 20 after several gunshots were heard overnight right outside the embassy.

Russian Ambassador to Türkiye Andrei Karlov lies motionless on the floor after being assassinated at an art exhibition in Ankara. Photo: Reuters.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, and the suspect was arrested by police.

The US Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara announced that it and its consulates in Istanbul and Adana will suspend routine operations on December 20 after multiple gunshots were fired outside the diplomatic mission on the night of December 19.

In a statement, the embassy said: "An individual approached the main gate of the US Embassy in Ankara and opened fire", fortunately there were no casualties.

The incident took place at 3:50 a.m. (local time), just hours after the Russian Ambassador was shot dead by a former police officer in a nearby area.

The unidentified suspect fired eight shots from a handgun hidden in his coat outside the US embassy. According to information obtained, the embassy security team subdued the shooter and no one was injured.

The US Embassy is across the street from the art gallery where Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov was assassinated the night before. Witnesses to the shooting were horrified to see a man in a suit and dark tie fire at least eight shots at the ambassador, even circling and continuing to shoot after he lay motionless on the floor.

The gunman who assassinated the Russian Ambassador was later identified as Andrei Karlov, 22, who served in Ankara's riot police and was killed in a shootout with police.

In addition, two other people were also arrested by the police in connection with the ambassador's assassination. According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, the police of this country have detained six people for questioning.

Thu Giang

(According to DW)