Drive-by shooting targets US Embassy in Turkey
This morning's shooting attack on the US Embassy in Ankara is the most serious manifestation of the wave of anti-American hysteria gripping Turkey since sanctions were announced.
Turkish police are hunting for the perpetrators of today’s drive-by shooting targeting the US Embassy in Ankara that senior Turkish officials described as a “provocation” and “attempt to create chaos.”
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu asked, “Might it be a provocation following recent events, or is it a common crime?” Soylu was referring to the acrimony between Turkey and the United States over the continued detention of North Carolina pastor Andrew Brunson.
Police said the assailants, who were in a white car, shot six times at the embassy premises, a large and unseemly stone block that runs along Ankara’s main artery, Ataturk Boulevard, around 5 a.m local time. No one was hurt in the attack, which took place on the eve of the Muslim Feast of the Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha. The only evidence was a damaged window in one of the security booths guarding the edifice.
“This is a clear attempt to create chaos. Turkey is a safe country and all foreign missions are under protection,” tweeted presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin. The embassy confirmed in a statement there were no injuries and lauded Turkish police for their “rapid response.” At least one suspect has been detained in connection with the shooting.
