US Embassy in Turkey warns of potential terror attack threat in Istanbul

Consular services suspended and Americans urged to exercise caution

(AFP via Getty Images)

The US embassy in Turkey has issued a warning to Americans in the country about a potential terror attack.

A security alert says that the US Mission “has received credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, including against the US Consulate General, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey”.

US citizens are urged to exercise heightened caution in locations where Americans or foreigners may gather, including large office buildings or shopping malls.

An embassy spokesperson told CBS News that the warning was issued “as a result of ongoing assessment of security conditions”.

The spokesperson also thanked the Turkish government for "ensuring the safety of Americans living in Turkey as well as Turkish citizens who visit our embassy and consulates".

All visa and citizen services have been temporarily suspended at the embassy in Ankara, and at the consulates in Istanbul, Adana, and Izmir.

Americans are advised to remain vigilant, keep a low profile, avoid crowds, and monitor local media for any updates.

Turkey is no stranger to terror attacks, with 2016 seeing attacks at Istanbul’s main airport, outside a stadium, and in the city’s central business and historic districts.

Most terror threats in Turkey are perpetrated by either Isis or Kurdish groups.

The source of the current threat is unclear.