Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Maintaining Security Awareness, October 1, 2015

[Mr. Milton 18]

The U.

S. Embassy in Ankara would like to remind U.

S. citizens of the importance of maintaining security vigilance and to take appropriate steps to ensure their ongoing security awareness in light of the continued security situation in Turkey.

As mentioned in the Worldwide Caution from July 29, 2015, “The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.

S. citizens and interests overseas… In response to the airstrikes, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are. Authorities believe there is an increased likelihood of reprisal attacks against U.

S., Western and coalition partner interests throughout the world.” Also, terrorist organizations such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) have been known to target Turkish Government offices and police stations.

 

Additionally, our Country Specific Information Sheet on travel.state.gov states, “While there have been no reported kidnappings involving U.

S. citizens in Turkey, various terrorist organizations continue to finance their operations through kidnapping for ransom operations.” As noted in the Country Specific Information Sheet for Turkey, “the threat level for the possibility of further terrorist attacks against U.

S. citizens and interests remains critical.”