Iran Press/Asia: Turkish media reports say shots were fired at a security booth outside the U.S. Embassy here early Monday. The private Ihlas news agency said four to five rounds were fired from a moving white car, targeting a security booth outside Gate 6. It said one bullet hit a window but no one was hurt, and police were searching for the car and suspects.
The U.S. mission is closed this week as Turkey celebrates the Muslim holiday of Eid Al Adha, but an embassy spokesperson issued a statement confirming that a "security incident" had occurred. The spokesperson added, "We have no reports of any injuries and we are investigating the details. We thank the Turkish National Police for their rapid response."
Tensions between the two countries have also risen due to an Izmir court’s refusal to release the US missionary Andrew Brunson, who was arrested in October of 2016 for reportedly playing a role in that year’s failed coup attempt. Washington has introduced sanctions against members of the Turkish government, citing the case and insisting that the pastor is innocent.
Brunson, who ran a small church in Turkey for more than 20 years, was arrested in December 2016 over allegations of having helped a group that Ankara says was behind a failed military coup in July 2016.
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