A possible al-Qaeda-linked terrorist attack at the U.S. consulate in Turkey left six people dead Wednesday.

Three policemen and three attackers were killed after armed men opened fire on Turkish police guarding the consulate in Istanbul. A fourth police officer and a driver were hurt in the attack. The shootout also caused panic among people who were waiting in line for visas.

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Shortly after the attack, Turkish and U.S. officials publicly called it an act of terrorism.

"There is no doubt that this is a terrorist attack," said Istanbul Gov. Muammer Guler. He described the slain policemen as "martyred."

Security around all American diplomatic missions in the country has been increased.

The U.S. consulate building was built after a 2003 terrorist attack by homegrown Islamic militants tied to al-Qaeda. Those suicide bombings killed 58 people at two synagogues, the British Consulate and a British bank.

At least two involved in Wednesday's attack were Turkish nationals, officials said. Police are now trying to track down one of the attackers who got away in a car.

Source: Associated Press