US, Iran close Turkish missions after shooting outside American embassy in Ankara, Russian envoy killing

ANKARA – Following a firing incident near the American embassy in Ankara and killing of Russian envoy, the United States and Iran closed their embassies in Turkey for normal operations on Tuesday.

The embassy said in a statement, "An individual approached the US Embassy Ankara main gate and discharged a firearm," adding that no one was hurt and the individual was detained.

The incident took place at 3:50 am (0050 GMT) Tuesday, hours after a Turkish policeman shot dead Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov as he was opening a photography exhibition.

The US embassy is located in Ankara directly on the other side of the street from the arts centre where the shooting took place in the Turkish capital.

The United States has repeatedly warned its citizens of security risks in Turkey after a string of attacks blamed on Kurdish militants and militants this year.

"The US Mission reminds US citizens to review personal security plans" and to "maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security," it said.

On the other hand, the Iranian embassy in Ankara announced that its consulates in the three Turkish cities of Istanbul, Trabzon and Erzurum will be closed on Tuesday after the killing of the Russian ambassador.

"All consular services in Iranian consulates in Istanbul, Trabzon and Erzurum will be closed on Tuesday, December 20. We urge all Iranians to avoid visiting these locations," the embassy said in a statement on its website.