Shots fired at gate of US Embassy in Turkey

Last Updated Aug 20, 2018 1:53 AM EDT

ANKARA, Turkey -- Shots were fired at a security booth outside the U.S. Embassy in the Turkish capital, Ankara, early Monday, the Ankara Governorate confirmed in a statement. It said six rounds were fired from a moving white car, targeting a security booth outside Gate 6. It said a preliminary investigation determined that three bullets hit the gate and a glass section, but no one was hurt. Police were searching for the car and suspects, who had not yet been identified.

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."

Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over the case of an imprisoned American pastor, leading the U.S. to impose sanctions and increased tariffs that sent the Turkish lira tumbling last week.

The Reuters news agency notes that, "The U.S. embassy in Ankara and the consulate in Istanbul have been the targets of attacks by militants and have faced numerous security threats in the past."

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