Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan attacked with car bomb

By Nezir Aliyev

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan

A suicide car bomber crashed into the gates of the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek on Tuesday, killing the bomber and wounding three people.

The vehicle exploded after travelling around 50 meters into the embassy compound at around 10.00 a.m. local time (0400GMT). Deputy Prime Minister Zhenish Razakov said the bomber was killed and two security guards were injured and local media reported a woman slightly hurt in the attack.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the terrorist attack, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

China said three embassy employees were wounded in the attack and pledged its readiness to cooperate with Kyrgyzstan and other countries in the region to fight terrorism.

Xinhua said the explosion damaged the embassy door and wall and buildings next to the embassy.

An investigation has been launched to identify the assailant.

Kyrgyzstan is a former Soviet republic of 6 million people where authorities have previously arrested suspected Daesh terrorists. In June, a Kyrgyz national was among three terrorists who attacked Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, killing 44 people.