Turkey recalls ambassador in Damascus: report

ANKARA - Turkey has temporarily recalled its ambassador in Syrian capital Damascus, Turkey's semi-official Anatolia news agency quoted diplomatic sources as saying on Monday.

Turkey had suspended all diplomatic operations and services at the Turkish embassy in Damascus, according to the Anatolia sources.

Turkish ambassador to Damascus Omer Onhon and the diplomatic staff are expected to arrive in Ankara shortly, said the report.

Turkey, once a close ally of Syria, has repeatedly called on Damascus to stop violence against civilians and has imposed on Syria a series of sanctions, including arms embargo.