US warns Americans of risk of attacks in Turkey after Syria air strikes

ISTANBUL - Reuters

The US Embassy in Ankara said Turkey's eastern and southeastern regions, parts of which border Syria and Iraq, were particularly vulnerable. DAILY NEWS file photo

The United States has warned its citizens in Turkey to be extra vigilant over the risk of attacks by foreign or domestic militants after it launched air strikes against fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in neighboring Syria.

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara said Turkey's eastern and southeastern regions, parts of which border Syria and Iraq, were particularly vulnerable although it had no information on any specific threats.

"Following the commencement of military action against ISIL targets in Syria, U.S. citizens are reminded that there have been violent attacks in Turkey in the past," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Sept. 24.

"The possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests, from both transnational and indigenous groups, remains high."

U.S. and allied planes pounded ISIL positions in Syria on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 but the strikes did not halt the fighters' advance in a Kurdish area close to the Turkish border.

Turkey shares a 900 km (560 mile) border with Syria but has been reluctant to take a frontline role in the U.S.-led military action partly for fear of ISIL retaliation.