A gunman shouting "Do not forget Aleppo!" assassinated Russia`s ambassador to Turkey at an Ankara art gallery on Monday in what leaders of Russia and Turkey called a provocative terror attack.
Ambassador Andrey Karlov`s shooting was captured in real time in photos and video that quickly spread through the Internet worldwide.
The assassination comes at a time of improved relations and increased cooperation between Russia and Turkey. Leaders of both countries vowed to not let the assassination cast a shadow over that friendship. It also comes during a pivotal moment in Syria, where Russia has been instrumental in President Bashar al-Assad`s push to retake rebel-held parts of Syria.
The gunman gestures near the body of Karlov. In a video circulating on social media, the shooter is heard shouting, "Allahu akbar (God is greatest). Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria! Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria!" Russia has been instrumental in helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in its push to retake the eastern sector of Aleppo, which had been held by rebels for nearly four years. Russia is also the most powerful ally of Assad's regime and has carried out airstrikes since September 2015 to prop up the embattled leader.
Commemoration ceremony as Russian ambassador`s body taken to Moscow - LIVE
20 December 2016
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Commemoration ceremony is held for the Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov, who was shot and killed on Monday.
