US Embassy warns citizens in Turkey about ‘credible’ terrorist threats

ISTANBUL - Reuters

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The United States warned its citizens in Turkey on April 26 about “credible” terrorist threats to tourist areas in the country. 

Turkey has been hit by four suicide bombings already this year, most recently in Istanbul last month. Two of the bombings have been blamed on Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), while Kurdish militants have claimed responsibility for the other two. 

“The U.S. government continues to receive credible indications that terrorist groups are seeking opportunities to attack popular tourist destinations throughout Turkey,” the Embassy in Ankara said in a statement emailed to U.S. citizens. 

“Foreign tourists in Turkey have been explicitly targeted by terrorist organizations,” the U.S. embassy said in what it described as an “emergency message.” 

An attack by ISIL on Istanbul’s busy İstiklal Avenue last month killed three Israelis, two of whom held dual citizenship with the United States, and one Iranian. A separate attack by the group in the city’s historic heart in January killed 12 German tourists.