Two suspects arrested over shooting at US Embassy in Ankara

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Turkish authorities have arrested two suspects who took part in the recent shooting at the US Embassy in Ankara, the governorate announced late Monday.

Monday morning, gunmen opened fire on the US Embassy located in the capital of Ankara, leaving no casualties, local media and police reported.

According to state-owned Anadolu news agency, in a statement by the office of the capital’s governor, the suspects are Ahmet Celikten, born in 1979, and Osman Gundas, born in 1980. The statement added the perpetrators used a 9mm pistol, which they recovered along with the vehicle used in the attack.

The governor’s office claimed the two men, both of whom had previous criminal records, notably Celikten who is wanted for breaking out of prison, confessed to their involvement in the attack.

Despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Ankara, the US Embassy expressed its gratitude for the Turkish authorities’ efforts in investigating the shooting and arresting the suspects.

“We thank the Turkish National Police and the Government of Turkey for their fast and professional action in apprehending two individuals who allegedly attacked our Mission this morning. We appreciate their support and protection.”

Over the past years, the US embassy in Ankara and the consulate in Istanbul have been the targets of various assaults by militants and have faced multiple security threats.

Editing by Nadia Riva