Gunshots fired at the U.S Embassy in Turkey amidst high tension between both countries

This morning, shots were fired from a moving car at the U.S. Embassy in Turkey, an attack that came during heightened tensions between the two NATO allies.

Turkish state media reports that a suspect has been detained, there were no casualties and no claim of responsibility for the fleeting attack, in which three of the six bullets fired hit the embassy gate and a reinforced window. 

“We can confirm a security incident took place at the U.S. Embassy early this morning. We have no reports of any injuries and we are investigating,” embassy spokesman David Gainer said as he thanked Turkish police for their “rapid response.”  

Turkish officials, who are locked in a trade and diplomatic dispute with the United States, condemned the shooting in Ankara. Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted that it was “an attempt to create chaos.”  

A top official in Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party said the attack was a “clear provocation” and that foreign diplomats are guests of the country. “The utmost sensitivity will be shown to ensure their security,” said the party spokesman, Omer Celik.