US Embassy In Ankara Attacked By Gunman, Police Looking For Suspect

UPDATE: 3.45 a.m. EDT - Ankara Governor's Office confirmed the attack saying six shots were fired out of which three bullets hit the metal door and glass panel of the security cabin. The person's identity has not be determined yet, however, no loss of life has been reported.

Original story:

An unknown person fired shots at U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, at 5 a.m. local time Monday (10 p.m. EDT, Sunday).

According to reports, shots were fired from a white car, however, the license plate could not be determined. The car escaped on the boulevard in the direction of Cinnah Caddesi in Ankara. The attacker reportedly targeted the security guard cabin. Police officials around the city were alerted about the vehicle and they are on the lookout for the suspect.

A video from the scene shows a bullet mark on the window of the security guard cabin. A bullet shell can also be seen on the ground. The video also shows police teams inspecting one of the entrances to the embassy.

According to reports, 4-5 gunshots were heard in front of Gate 6 of the embassy near the security officer's cabin.

U.S. Embassy spokesman David Gainer issued a statement confirming the incident. "We have no reports of any injuries and we are investigating the details. We thank the Turkish National Police for their rapid response," Gainer said, CBS News reported.

It may be noted that the embassy is closed for the week as the country celebrates Eid al-Adha festival.

Recently, the relations between the United States and Turkey deteriorated over the detention of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges. The U.S. imposed sanctions on the country and increased tariffs last week, which led to Turkish lira tumbling down.

"Washington must give up the misguided notion that our relationship can be asymmetrical and come to terms with the fact that Turkey has alternatives," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the time.

"Failure to reverse this trend of unilateralism and disrespect will require us to start looking for new friends and allies,” he added, warning that the ongoing dispute could lead to the dissolution of ties between the two nations.

This is a developing story.