Shots fired at US embassy in Turkey amid escalating row between Nato allies

Telegraph Reporters
Updated
A window bears the mark of a bullet fired at the US embassy in Ankara - AP/Burhan Ozbilici
A window bears the mark of a bullet fired at the US embassy in Ankara - AP/Burhan Ozbilici

Several gunshots were fired at the US embassy in Ankara from a vehicle on Monday, amid rising tensions between Turkey and Washington. 

An unidentified assailant or assailants fired six bullets at an embassy security gate from a passing white vehicle around 5.30am local time, three bullets hitting an iron door and a window, the Ankara governor's office said in a statement.

The early morning attack coincided with a deepening row between the two countries over the trial of a US pastor in Turkey.

The embassy is closed this week for a public holiday to mark the Islamic Eid al-Adha festival.

The attack on the embassy in the Turkish capital was a clear attempt to "create chaos", the spokesman for President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, condemning the early morning drive-by attack.

the damage to a security booth by a shot fired, is seen outside the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey - Credit:  AP/Burhan Ozbilici
Six bullets were fired at the US embassy in Ankara from a passing car Credit: AP/Burhan Ozbilici

David Gainer, the embassy spokesman said: "We can confirm a security incident took place at the US embassy early this morning.

"We have no reports of any injuries and we are investigating the details. We thank the Turkish National Police for their rapid response."

Video footage from broadcaster Haberturk showed police teams inspecting one of the entrances to the embassy and apparent damage caused by a gunshot could be seen in one window.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan greets the crowd during a symposium organized by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) at the ATO Congresium Hall in Ankara, Turkey on August 14, 2018
President Erdogan greets the crowd during a symposium at the ATO Congresium Hall in Ankara, Turkey on August 14th

It said empty cartridges were found at the scene. President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman condemned the attack on Twitter and said the incident is being investigated.

"This is a clear attempt to create chaos," spokesman Ibarahim Kalin said. "Turkey is a safe country and all foreign missions are under the guarantee of the laws."

The US Embassy in Ankara and the consulate in Istanbul have in the past been the targets of attacks by militants and have faced numerous security threats.