Nané Posted July 9, 2008 Report Share Posted July 9, 2008 Six dead in attack on U.S. consulate in Istanbul ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Gunmen today attacked the U.S. consulate here, sparking a gun battle that left three Turkish police officers and the three assailants dead, authorities said. It was the most serious attack in several years on a foreign diplomatic mission in Turkey. No consulate personnel were reported killed or injured in the shooting, which occurred at about 11 a.m. in the Istanbul suburb of Istinye. The consulate moved out of downtown Istanbul after Al Qaeda militants in 2003 attacked targets including the British consulate. Police sealed off the area around the heavily fortified consulate complex, which is built on a hillside overlooking the Bosporus. The steep street approaching the consulate gates is lined with small apartment buildings and shops. Officials at the scene, including Istanbul's governor, said a white car was seen dropping off the three gunmen, all appearing to be in their 20s, close to the entrance to the consulate's visa section. Turkish traffic police who happened to be nearby spotted them, and an exchange of gunfire broke out. In addition to the three officers killed, two other people were wounded, authorities said. The driver of the car that dropped the men off escaped, and an intensive manhunt was launched. One man who lives in a nearby apartment building said the gun battle lasted between three and five minutes. Patrons in a small cafe just across the street ducked for cover. After the attack, a phalanx of police in body armor, cradling automatic weapons, prevented onlookers and a crowd of Turkish and foreign journalists from approaching. Behind the yellow crime scene tape, two ambulances were parked, containing the dead assailants' bodies. Detectives moved from one building to another, questioning witnesses. White-clad forensics investigators could be seen combing the area. The governor, Muammer Guler, identified the injured as a police officer and a tow-truck driver. laura.king@latimes.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted July 9, 2008 Report Share Posted July 9, 2008 (edited) Only six? Yes, I saw that news. Taros@ mnatsyalnerin. How about sixty million? Speaking of "Gampr"!!! Shounshanordiner, sonofadogs!!! It is a testament to American-furkish "love affair"!!! Why the American Consulate and not the asserboobjani? Imagine that some in Washington still think that Ankara is their "best ally"!!! Edited July 9, 2008 by Arpa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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