Iran: Security stepped up around embassy in Ankara

Iran: Security stepped up around embassy in Ankara
Turkish authorities are stepping up security around the Iranian Embassy in Ankara, according to Iranian state media.
1 min read
15 October, 2018
Security has been stepped up [AFP]

Iranian state TV says Turkish authorities are stepping up security around the Iranian Embassy in Ankara after unconfirmed reports of a suicide bomb threat to the diplomatic mission.

Several police vehicles, plain-clothed policemen and special forces officers were seen deployed on Ankara’s Tehran Street, where the embassy is located, and in the vicinity of the mission. Officials stopped cars and subjected passengers to identity checks.

Earlier today, Turkish news outlets reported that the embassy had been evacuated following a tip about a bomb attack.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi says Tehran “completely rejected” the claims about the threat and added that embassy staff are “doing their daily duties.”

Meanwhile Turkey announced it will search the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Monday as part of an investigation into the disappearance of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"It is expected that a search will take place towards the evening," said the source, who asked not to be identified.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and Saudi citizen residing in the United States, vanished on October 2 after visiting the building to obtain official documents.

The source said it would be a joint search with the Saudi authorities.