Russia's ambassador to Turkey was shot dead

Russia's ambassador to Turkey was shot dead

Mevlut Mert Aydintas

A Turkish police officer shot dead a Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, which seems to be a protest over Russia's involvement in Aleppo, Syria. The killer known as Mert Mevlut Aydintas, who was 22 years old and members of the police anti-riot Ankara. It remains unclear if he was linked to a particular group or not.

President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the attacks were aimed at damaging relations with Russia. He also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, over the phone and said both agreed that it acts as a 'provocation'.

Maria Zakharova

Previous spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, calling the murder of Andrey Karlov in the capital Ankara as a terrorist act. He said Turkey has given assurances will be taken a thorough investigation and the parties involved will be punished.

"Terrorism is not going to get away! We will fight it in earnest," said Zakharova.

"The memory of this prominent Russian diplomat, a man who did many things for the fight against terrorism will remain in our hearts forever."

Andrei Karpov was shot dead in an art gallery in Ankara on Monday (19/12) and was taken for emergency treatment after suffering serious injuries but died in hospital. He is an experienced diploma and had served as ambassador to the Soviet Union in North Korea during the 1980s.

Reports say Karlov was giving a speech when a gunman opened fire and squealing message about the city of Aleppo in Syria. A spokesman for the US State Department, John Kirby, confirmed US officials had heard reports of an attack on the Ambassador Karlov.

"We condemn these acts of violence, whatever its source. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Turkish relations and Russia somewhat strained in recent times because of the involvement of both countries in the conflict in Syria. The day before widespread protests from a group of residents in the building of the Consulate General of Russia in Istanbul against Russia for its support of Syrian government forces. However the government of Ankara and Moscow cooperated in the operation of weapons in Aleppo.

Not yet ascertained the motive of the attack on Ambassador Karlov and the identity of the assailants have not been disclosed. Some reports said the perpetrator entered the art gallery was using police identity cards and yelled, "Do not forget Aleppo, do not forget about Syria," and screamed "Allahu Akbar."

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