US State Department travel advisory warns of ‘increased risks’ in Turkey

WASHINGTON

The United States Department of State on June 28 updated its travel advisory for Turkey, warning about “increasing risks” in some areas of the country and arbitrary detentions. 

“Reconsider travel to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Do not travel to the areas along the Turkey-Syria border and the southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Muş, Mardin, Batman, Bingöl, Tunceli, Hakkari, and Bitlis due to terrorism,” the State Department said in a statement on its website.

It noted that the U.S. government has very limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in southeastern Turkey, as the U.S. government restricts its employees from traveling to the region.

“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorist organizations explicitly target Western tourists and expatriates for kidnapping and assassination,” it added.

“Under the State of Emergency, security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, suspected of affiliation with alleged terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated,” the statement read.

The State Department also said U.S. citizens have been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey.