Warning shots by security forces have been heard outside the Iranian embassy in Ankara.

Informed sources said that 12 shots were believed to be fired at a security checkpoint close to the embassy building in order to warn a suspicious vehicle, IRIB reported early on Monday.

Earlier, the US issued a stern warning over the possibility of terror attacks or attempted kidnapping of foreigners in Istanbul.

The shooting incident occurred just a few weeks after Turkey extended a state of emergency -- imposed across the country after an abortive coup in mid-July -- for a further three months.

Turkey introduced the state of emergency on July 20, after it declared the end of a coup attempt by a group of military officers. More than 270 people were killed in incidents surrounding the July 15 coup attempt.

By Press TV