US diplomatic missions, including in Turkey, issue warnings after Trump’s Jerusalem move
ISTANBUL
U.S. embassies in Sudan, Egypt and Turkey have issued a warning for Americans living in these countries to avoid areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if they are in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
According to a released statement on the U.S. Embassy’s website in Sudan, U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem “may spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent.”
The mission also reminded U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security.
“Review your personal security plans. Remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news for updates,” read the statement.
It said that activities in the mission would be limited, especially on Dec. 8, due to a high risk of protests.
A similar statement was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Egypt with two separate notifications on Dec. 7 and 8.
“The U.S. Mission to Egypt is aware that several groups are calling for protests in Alexandria on Dec. 8, 2017. Demonstrations have the potential to become violent. U.S. Embassy Cairo reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security. We urge U.S. citizens to avoid all protests,” the embassy’s website stated on Dec. 8.
In a similar warning issued by the U.S. Embassy website in Turkey it was stated that the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana would only have limited operations on Dec. 8.
“The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Turkey is aware that several groups have announced public protests in upcoming days in major cities throughout Turkey, including in the vicinity of U.S. diplomatic facilities … We urge U.S. citizens to avoid all protests,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, increased security measures are in place around U.S. and Israeli diplomatic missions in Turkey. In the capital Ankara, police barricades were set up around U.S. and Israeli embassy buildings, with nearby roads closed to traffic. Some NGO members were seen on Dec. 7 laying wreaths in black color in front of the U.S. embassy.
