Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
Threats Against Western Businesses in Gaziantep
September 21, 2016
There are reports of a police investigation into a terror cell in Gaziantep.
The information suggests the terrorists are possibly targeting shopping centers,
Starbucks, Big Chef Restaurants and or other businesses catering to Western
customers. U.S. citizens in Gaziantep are advised to exercise caution when
patronizing these sorts of businesses and to avoid them if possible.
The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of
increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and to avoid travel to
southeastern Turkey. The Department continues to monitor the effects of the
ongoing state of emergency; recent terrorist incidents in Ankara, Istanbul,
Gaziantep and throughout the southeast.
Foreign and U.S. tourists have
been explicitly targeted by international and indigenous terrorist organizations
in Turkey. As stated in the Worldwide Caution dated September 9, 2016, extremists
throughout Europe, to include Turkey, have targeted large sporting events,
restaurants, cafes, theatres, open markets, aviation services, transportation
systems, and public venues where people congregate as well as religious sites
and high-profile events. Most recently, they have threatened to kidnap and
assassinate Westerners and U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens are reminded to review
personal security plans, monitor local news for breaking events, and remain
vigilant at all times.
We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to maintain a
high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate
steps to bolster your personal security.
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 make it easier to 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
+90-312-455-5555, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +90-312-455-5555
- 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
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
