Istanbul/Ankara — Russia’s ambassador was shot dead in the Turkish capital on Monday in an assassination apparently linked to Syria’s civil war, heightening tension over a conflict that has drawn in almost all the region’s main powers. Andrey Karlov was shot in the back at an art exhibit in Ankara on Monday and died from his injuries, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. "Allahu akbar," the gunman shouted, and then "don’t forget Aleppo" — a reference to the Syrian city where mostly Islamist rebels have been defeated this month by Russian-backed government troops. The attacker, who was killed by security forces, was a 22-year-old active-duty police officer. His possible connection with organised groups was being probed, Turkey’s interior minister, Suleyman Soylu, said. Separately, a man fired a gun near the entrance to the American embassy in Ankara and was taken into custody by Turkish authorities, according to a US State Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.