Russian Ambassador to Ankara Badly Wounded in Armed Assault
TEHRAN (Basirat)- Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov has been badly wounded in an armed assault in Ankara, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
The attack took place at the opening of the "Russia through Turks' eyes" photo exhibition, Turkish NTV news channel reports.
Eyewitnesses say that the Ambassador was shot at.
"The ambassador was delivering a speech at the opening of the exhibition, and suddenly, during his speech, there was a shriek 'Allahu Akbar!' — and someone started shooting," an eyewitness told RIA Novosti. "It is likely that the attack was aimed at the Ambassador because after the shots were made the assailant let those present escape the room."
"The ambassador was delivering a speech at the opening of the exhibition, and suddenly, during his speech, there was a shriek 'Allahu Akbar!' — and someone started shooting," an eyewitness told RIA Novosti. "It is likely that the attack was aimed at the Ambassador because after the shots were made the assailant let those present escape the room."
Correction: Karlov was not taken to the hospital after the assault,
he is getting aid at the scene of shooting. The ambassador is reported
to be in a critical state.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the information that Russian Ambassador suffered a gunshot wound. The official statement noted that Russia is in contact with Turkish authorities regarding the attack.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the information that Russian Ambassador suffered a gunshot wound. The official statement noted that Russia is in contact with Turkish authorities regarding the attack.
Soon after the attack, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu arrived at the site.
The assailant is reported to have been eliminated, according to Turkish NTV.
The assailant is reported to have been eliminated, according to Turkish NTV.
The attack comes just a day before Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut
Cavusoglu's planned visit to Moscow for Syria talks with his Russian and
Iranian counterparts.
