Iranian Embassy in Turkey Issues 'Strong Warning' Regarding Presence in Crowded Places

The Iranian Embassy in Ankara has issued a statement urging Iranian citizens to 'strictly avoid' being in crowded places. The statement emphasizes the 'importance of adhering to the regulations of the state of emergency' in Turkey and advises Iranian citizens, 'if staying or traveling is necessary, to exercise caution and pay attention to the warnings of the Iranian representation and consulates in Turkey, as well as the relevant authorities of the host country, and to strictly avoid being in crowded and uncertain places.' According to Tasnim News Agency, last Thursday, two Iranian citizens were attacked with a knife in front of a store, resulting in one of them losing their life. The news agency did not specify the exact location of the attack. It reported that 'footage captured by security cameras' outside the store shows that 'six assailants attacked Iranian tourists and injured them.' The Iranian Embassy's statement was published on the night of October 3 on its website, with the only explanation for the warning being 'the occurrence of unfortunate incidents for fellow citizens.' Following the failed coup in Turkey in July, the government declared a state of emergency. However, it is unclear whether the security concerns are directly related to the failed coup and subsequent events, especially as warnings about the possibility of terrorist attacks have also been issued in Turkey in recent weeks. Last month, a day after a suicide bombing in downtown Istanbul, which left an Iranian victim, the Iranian Embassy in Ankara issued a security warning to citizens planning to travel to Turkey. In June, this warning was reiterated, advising Iranians to avoid 'crowded places and gatherings' in the country. During an explosion in the city of Van on September 13, nearly 50 people were injured, some of whom were Iranian. Last week, the U.S. consulate in Adana, southern Turkey, also warned its citizens that they might be targeted in potential terrorist attacks at American hotels. Adana is in southeastern Turkey and near the Incirlik Air Base, which the U.S.-led coalition uses for attacks against the 'Islamic State.'