US suspends visa services in Turkey over reports of 'potential terrorist attacks'
All American citizen and visa services in Turkey were suspended on Oct. 23, as the U.S. Embassy in Ankara reported credible intelligence of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against U.S. citizens in Istanbul. Services will be suspended at all U.S. Mission facilities around the country, and Americans are urged to remain alert and avoid crowds of foreigners, the embassy noted.
Duvar English - Reuters
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara said on Oct. 23 that it was temporarily suspending all American citizen and visa services in Turkey over credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against U.S. citizens in Istanbul.
"The U.S. Mission in Turkey has received credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against U.S. citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, including against the U.S. Consulate General, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey," the embassy said.
Functions will be suspended at all of the U.S. Mission's Turkey facilities, including the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, the U.S. Consulate in southern Adana, and the U.S. Consular Agency in Aegean Izmir.
"Individuals with scheduled appointments will be notified by email with instructions on how to reschedule their appointments," the official statement noted.
The embassy urged American citizens to "exercise heightened caution in locations where Americans or foreigners may gather, including large office buildings or shopping malls."
Americans should "keep a low profile," "be aware of surroundings" and "monitor local media for updates," the embassy added.