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 traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read theCountry Specific Information for Turkey. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 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). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. 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.
