United States To Close Embassy In Ankara Tuesday

Agency report

The United States has issued a statement, stating its decision to close its embassy in Ankara over security concern.

According to the statement, an individual approached the main gate of the embassy and discharged a firearm.

But there have been no reported injuries and the individual is in police custody.

“Due to this incident, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana will be closed for normal operations on Tuesday,’’ the statement said.

US advises citizens

The U.S. Mission also reminded U.S. citizens to review personal security plans. It further advised them them to ensure communication connectivity and maintain a high level of vigilance. The U.S. citizens were also asked to take appropriate steps to enhance personal security.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the heinous attack on Ambassador Karlov,’’ U.S. Ambassador to Turkey John Bass twitted on Monday.

The Arts and Culture Centre of the municipality of Ankara’s Cankaya district, where the Russia Amb. Andrei Karlov was shot dead on Monday, was only 50 metres to the U.S. Embassy.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Consulate in Adana has informed U.S. citizens that there would be general demonstrations between Ataturk Park and Adana’s Central Train Station on Tuesday afternoon.

The participants are expected to demonstrate against recent violent terrorist attacks throughout the country. Demonstrating against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is also included.

Report says previous such demonstrations in other cities also included anti-American messages, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.