Key ally of Vladimir Putin claims shadowy Nato forces masterminded the assassination of Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov
Senator Frantz Klintsevich claimed today that Nato secret services were 'behind' the shocking killing
THE assassination of Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov was masterminded by Nato secret services, a top Vladimir Putin ally has claimed.
Karlov was gunned down by a member of Turkey's anti-riot police while attending an art exhibition opening in the capital Ankara.
Killer Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, was later shot dead after standing over Karlov's body claiming it was for those suffering in Aleppo.
Today Senator Frantz Klintsevich, deputy chairman of the Russian upper chamber's defence and security committee, said: "It was a planned action," the reported.
"Everyone knew that he was going to attend this photo exhibition. It can be ISIS, or the Kurdish army which tries to hurt Erdogan.
related stories
"But may be - and it is highly likely - that representatives of foreign NATO secret services are behind it.
"What has happened is a true provocation, a challenge. It is a challenge for Russia."
Footage taken after Altintas gunned down Karlov showed him chanting: "Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria!"
He also shouted "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great" and continued in Arabic: "We are the descendants of those who supported the Prophet Muhammad, for jihad."
It comes as US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen said he had no connection to the assassination and he strongly condemned the killing, according to an official who advises Gulen on media issues.
Allegations by an unnamed senior Turkish security official of "very strong signs" that the gunman who killed the ambassador belonged to Gulen's network were "laughable" and intended to cover up for lax security, the adviser, Alp Aslandogan, said.
"Mr Gulen categorically condemns this heinous act," Aslandogan said.
The Turkish government has accused Gulen of instigating a failed coup in July. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, denies this.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368.