WASHINGTON – The State Department confirmed a terrorist attack Friday just outside the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and told Americans to stay away from U.S. diplomatic offices throughout Turkey.

Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the explosion occurred on the perimeter of the embassy at about 1:15 pm local time.

"We can confirm a terrorist blast at a check point on the perimeter of our embassy compound in Ankara," she said in a statement. "We are working closely with the Turkish national police to make a full assessment of the damage and the casualties, and to begin an investigation."