The U.S. Asks Families of Diplomats in Istanbul to Leave Turkey

The U.S. State Department has requested that family members of diplomats at its consulate in Istanbul leave Turkey. The U.S. representation office in Istanbul continues its operations. This request does not apply to families of diplomats at other U.S. offices or the embassy in Ankara. In a new travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department on October 30, citizens have been urged to exercise caution when traveling to Turkey, as extremist groups have threatened to kidnap or kill Americans or other citizens of Western countries. Ankara is a member of the U.S.-led coalition against the 'Islamic State' and has conducted military operations against ISIS militants and several Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, Turkey was the scene of a failed coup last July, which prompted the government to undertake a widespread purge and declare a state of emergency. A year ago, over 100 people were killed in a suicide attack during a rally in Istanbul. Following that, large explosions last winter resulted in dozens of casualties. The U.S. embassy in Ankara had also issued a notice in October urging its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings and protests in Turkey. The Iranian embassy has also issued several travel warnings in recent weeks for Iranian citizens intending to travel to Turkey.