Ankara - Arab Today
Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov has died after being shot multiple times while giving a speech at an art gallery in Turkey's capital of Ankara on Monday evening, Turkish news agency Anadolu reported with Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirming the incident.
Karlov was speaking at the opening ceremony of an art exhibition when an armed assailant opened fire on him and then in the air, Anadolu Agency reported.
The ambassador was seriously injured at the scene and taken to Guven Hospital in Cankaya where he succumbed to his wounds.
The assailant was "neutralized" during an operation that lasted around 15 minutes by police special forces at the scene, according to Anadolu.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin was informed about the incident. "We informed President Putin. We are checking information." Zakharova also said they are in touch with Turkish authorities. Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and Defense Minister Fikri Isik are being informed by officials at the scene, Anadolu reported.
Source: QNA