The US Department of State on Monday warned US citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey, urging them to avoid travelling to southeast Turkey and carefully consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country.
Monday’s travel warning replaced another one dated Sept. 23, 2016.
“US citizens should still carefully consider the need to travel to Turkey at this time. The Governor of Ankara, acting under the authority of the recently-extended state of emergency, and on the basis of reported terrorist threats against cities in Turkey, has banned all demonstrations in Ankara province until November 30,” said the US State Department in a statement on its website.
A state of emergency declared by the Turkish government for three months in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt on July 15 was extended for another three months earlier in October.
“The Department continues to monitor the effects of the ongoing State of Emergency; recent terrorist incidents in Ankara, İstanbul, Gaziantep, and throughout the Southeast; recurring threats; visible increases in police or military activities; and the potential for restrictions on movement as they relate to the safety and well-being of US citizens in Turkey,” noted the statement, referring to recent terrorist attacks in the country.
The State Department’s statement also added that delays or denial of consular access to US citizens detained or arrested by security forces, some of whom also possess Turkish citizenship, continue.
According to the statement, US government personnel in Turkey remain subject to travel restrictions in the southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Diyarbakır, Van, Siirt, Muş, Mardin, Batman, Bingöl, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazığ.
“In particular, the US Mission to Turkey may prohibit movements by its personnel to these areas on short notice for security reasons, including threats and demonstrations,” noted the statement.
