UPDATE 2 - Russian envoy to Turkey shot dead in Ankara

UPDATES WITH KARLOV DEAD, REVISES HEADLINE, EDITS THROUGHOUT

ANKARA (AA) - Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov has died after being shot multiple times at an art exhibition in Turkey's capital Ankara on Monday evening.

The announcement came from Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Karlov was delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of an art gallery when an armed assailant opened fire on him and then in the air, according to Anadolu Agency correspondent who witnessed the incident.

The envoy had been seriously wounded at the scene and had been taken to Guven Hospital in Cankaya immediately after being shot.

The assailant was 'neutralized' during an operation that lasted around 15 minutes by police special forces at the scene, the Contemporary Arts Gallery in Ankara's central Cankaya district.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin was informed about the incident.

"We informed President Putin. We are checking information," Peskov added.

Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said they are in touch with Turkish authorities.

Turkish ministers Suleyman Soylu and Fikri Isik are being informed by officials at the scene.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department condemned the attack "whatever its source".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.