US confirms terrorist attack in Turkey, issues warning

WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department confirmed a terrorist attack Friday just outside the US Embassy in Ankara and told Americans to stay away from US diplomatic offices throughout Turkey.

Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the explosion occurred on the perimeter of the embassy at about 1:15pm local time.

"We can confirm a terrorist blast at a check point on the perimeter of our embassy compound in Ankara," she said in a statement. "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." Officials in the Turkish capital said a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive in front of the embassy, killing himself and one other person at the entrance gate. US Ambassador Francis Ricciardione identified the other death as an embassy guard.

No Americans were believed to be injured in the attack, officials said.