Security Message: Update on Potential Terrorist Operations in Istanbul

[Mr. Milton 18]

 U.

S. Consulate General Istanbul

Security Message: Update on Potential Terrorist Operations in Istanbul

October 22, 2016

The U.

S. Consulate General in Istanbul advises U.

S. citizens that extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack Americans and/or other foreigners in Istanbul. These attacks may be pre-planned or could occur with little or no warning, and include, but are not limited to: armed attack, attempted kidnapping, bombing, or other violent acts. The Consulate General advises U.

S. citizens residing in or visiting Istanbul to review and update their personal security practices when traveling to locations where westerners are known to frequent or reside. U.

S. citizens should also exercise increased vigilance and caution in areas easily accessible to the general public.

For your safety:

Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, in particular large, urban centers near the Turkish/Syrian border.

Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.

Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.

Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.

Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.

Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.

Monitor local media.

For further detailed information regarding Turkey and travel:

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution,Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Turkey's Country Specific Information.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and help us locate you in an emergency.

Contact the U.

S. Embassy in Ankara, located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara, at +90-312-455-5555, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.

S. citizens is +90-312-455-5555 or +90-212-335-9000 (U.

S. Consulate General Istanbul).

Contact the U.

S. Consulate General in Istanbul, located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, at +90-212-335-9000.

Contact the U.

S. Consulate in Adana, located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana at +90-322-455-4100.

Contact the Consular Agency in Izmir at Izmir@state.gov.

Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.

S. federal holidays)

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