News outlets are reporting an assassination attempt on Andrey Karlov, Russian Ambassador in Ankara. Reports say the ambassador has been seriously wounded. [UPDATE: Amb. Karlov is now reported dead, see below]
The Russian ambassador to Ankara, Andrey Karlov, has been shot in Ankara, according to CNN Turk. Turkish NTV adds that the ambassador has been seriously wounded in the attack, and CNN Turk adds a man man opened fire in the air then fired twice at the ambassador, who was shot in the back.
The following photo from Huyrriet shows the moment of the attack:
The attack took place at the opening of the "Russia through Turks' eyes" photo exhibition, Turkish NTV news channel reports.
According to the Turkish daily Hurriyet, the ambassador was attending a painting exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Arts in Ankara when a gunman opened fire. Hurriyet also reported that Russian officials said Islamic militants were responsible for the attack. Police were reported on scene. The condition of the gunman was not mentioned.
The Telegraph cited several reports that Ambassador Karlov had been taken to the hospital. It said that Turkey had scene widespread anti-Russian protests in recent days:
Andrey Karlov was hospitalised and several other people were wounded, NTV and CNN-Turk televisions said. The attack came after days of protests in Turkey over Russia's role in Syria.
Mr Karlov is reportedly in a serious condition.
The attack came after days of protests in Turkey over Russia's role in Syria, although Moscow and Ankara are now working closely together to evacuate citizens from Aleppo.
UPDATE 20:04 Moscow time -- Reports now indicate the ambassdor has died of his wounds.
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