Shots fired at gate of US embassy in Turkey

ISTANBUL (AP) — Shots were fired at a security booth outside the US embassy in Turkey’s capital yesterday, but US officials said no one was hurt.

Private Ihlas news agency said four to five rounds were fired from a moving white car and targeted the booth outside Gate 6 at the embassy in Ankara. Police were searching for the car.

US embassy spokesman David Gainer thanked police for their “rapid response” and said no injuries had been reported.

The US mission is closed this week as Turkey celebrates the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over the case of an imprisoned American pas- tor, leading the US to impose sanctions, and increased tariffs sent the Turkish lira tumbling last week.

Evangelical pastor Andrew Craig Brunson — currently under house arrest after more than two years in prison — is facing up to 35 years in prison if convicted of espionage and terrorrelated charges.

US President Donald Trump has called for his immediate release and threatened more sanctions.

The continued detention of a Turkish-American NASA scientist and three local consular staff members adds to the tensions.

Last week, the US president signed a defense spending bill that includes delaying the delivery of F-35 fighter jets pending a Pentagon report.