Suicide Bomber Targets U.s. Embassy In Ankara

Suicide bomber targets U.S. embassy in Ankara < br />

2013-02-02 13:36:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

ANKARA, TURKEY (BNO NEWS) -- A security guard was confirmed killed after a suicide bomb targeted the United States Embassy in Turkey, officials said Friday.

The powerful blast occurred at around 1:15 p.m. local time and destroyed the entrance of the embassy building, which is located in the Cankaya neighborhood of Ankara, the country's capital.

Officials identified the fatal victim as Mustafa Akarsu, 36. The suicide bomber was also killed during the attack. In addition, the explosion injured Didem Tuncay, 38, a former journalist, while reports indicate another person was also wounded. Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Güler said the attacker was likely a Turkish male.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara said "measures have been taken by the Turkish National Police who are now investigating the incident," while thanking the Turkish Government, media, and members of the public for their expressions of solidarity. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Francis Ricciardone, spoke to the press, saying the attack would not affect the U.S.-Turkey relations.

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