US Embassy in Turkey warns of potential terror attack threat in Istanbul
Consular services suspended and Americans urged to exercise caution
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments