The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Istanbul

Three police officers were killed in a shooting outside the United States consulate in Istanbul on Wednesday, Turkish television said. Television images appeared to show four bodies on the ground in front of the high-walled complex. Media earlier said that two police had been shot dead.

The U.S. embassy in Ankara said it was aware of an incident near the Istanbul consulate, but had no further details.

Turkey has seen armed attacks from a variety of groups over the years, including Maoists, Trotskyists, Kurdish separatists and Islamist militants.

The worst incidents were in November, 2003, when 62 people were killed in attacks on two synagogues, a bank and the British consulate.