WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department is confirming that a terror attack occurred just outside the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

 

Officials in Ankara say a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device killing himself and one other person, identified by U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardione as an embassy guard. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says the explosion occurred on the perimeter of the embassy at about 1:15 pm local time. She says, "We can confirm a terrorist blast at a check point on the perimeter of our embassy compound in Ankara, Turkey, at 1:13 p.m. local time, or 6:15 a.m. EST."

 

Her statement also says, " We are working closely with the Turkish national police to make a full assessment of the damage and the casualties, and to begin an investigation."

Copyright © 2013 Associated Press

--

 

By SUZAN FRASER

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - A police official says a suicide bomber has detonated an explosive device at the entrance of the U.S. Embassy in the Turkish capital and at least two people are dead.

 

An Associated Press journalist on Friday saw a body in the street in front of an embassy side entrance. The bomb appeared to have exploded inside the security checkpoint at the entrance of the embassy.

 

Private NTV television said two security guards at the entrance were killed.

 

The police official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government rules. The phones were not being answered at the embassy.

 

Copyright © 2013 Associated Press