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.

9 A key ally of Putin claims the killing was a Nato masterminded attack Credit: Getty Images

9 Karlov pictured at the art exhibition opening moments before he was gunned down Credit: Getty Images

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 Mail Online 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.

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"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."

9 The shooter gestures near to Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, on the ground, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey Credit: AP:Associated Press

9 He reportedly shouted 'Aleppo' and 'revenge' Credit: AP:Associated Press

9 Altintas brandishes his pistol after shooting down the ambassador Credit: AP:Associated Press

9 The Russian ambassador has been in the role since 2013 Credit: AP:Associated Press

9 Altintas was gunned down by security services Credit: @MousaAlomar

9 He was quickly identified as a serving police officer on social media Credit: TWITTER/ REYHAN NEWS

9 Mevlut Mert Altintas is seen prowling through the art gallery as Karlov's body lies on the ground Credit: AP:Associated Press

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.

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