In light of the second anniversary of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front or Devrimci Halk Kurtulus Partisi/Cephesi (DHKP/C)’s February 1, 2013 suicide attack on U.S. Embassy Ankara, and the DHKP/C’s stated intention to commit further attacks against the United States, NATO and Turkey, the U.S. Embassy regional security office has advised all personnel to be especially vigilant when entering and leaving Mission Turkey facilities and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
The DHKP/C has reportedly increased its activities in recent weeks, conducting an attack near the Prime Minister’s office in Istanbul on January 1 and a shooting in Istanbul’s Taksim Square on January 30. The female perpetrator of the January 30 attack, identified in some media reports as DHKP/C operative Elif Sultan Kalşen, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Terrorists may not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists may seek softer targets. These may include locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit. Be especially alert in such places.
Always remain vigilant with regard to personal security. Make yourself and your family hard targets. Maintain heightened situational awareness. Follow local news sources and monitor social media to remain abreast of developments that might impact your security situation. Keep a low profile and avoid being time and place predictable. Exercise caution and good judgment. Trust your instincts and report any security concerns.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens and nationals without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling ensures you receive updated safety and security information about areas abroad and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you or your designated contact in case of emergency.
Please check the Country Specific Information Sheet for Turkey for further security guidance. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling +1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or a regular toll line at +1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklıdere, 06100 Ankara, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at İstinye Mahallesi, Üç Şehitler Sokak No.2, İstinye 34460, İstanbul, tel: (90)(212) 335-9000, fax (90)(212) 335-9102.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Boulevard, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yüregir, Adana, tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916.
The Consular Agency in Izmir can be reached at tel: (90)(232) 464-8755, fax (90)(232) 464-8916.
