Russian Ambassador in Ankara dies in hospital after being wounded

Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov was seriously wounded in a gun attack at the opening of a photo exhibition in Ankara, Turkish media report.

Karlov was taken to hospital where he soon died, Russian state media reported.

Three other people were wounded in the attack, media report. Security forces killed the attacker, who shouted: "Don't forget Aleppo, don't forget Syria."

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador Karlov was in hospital, and Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed, the Kremlin said.

The attacker allowed guests to leave the exhibition after shooting the diplomat, reports say.

Turkish media report that an exchange of fire occurred after Karlov was hit. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu arrived at the scene of the attack. Witnesses told CNN Turk that the attacker acted alone.

"He said he would not leave that place alive," witnesses said.

The attacker reportedly spoke about the situation in Aleppo after firing several shots at the ambassador.

A photo posted on Twitter shows a man in a black suit holding a pistol standing near a podium in the gallery. Four people, including the ambassador, are lying on the floor.

The attack occurred at an exhibition titled "Russia Through the Eyes of Turks," Tanjug reported, citing the Sputnik agency.

The attack came after several days of protests in Turkey over Russia's role in Syria, AFP reports.

Al Jazeera