WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 17th January, 2019) US citizens and residents should not travel to Turkey, citing terrorist plots to attack tourist sites and other public places, according to an updated travel alert issued by the Department of State on Wednesday.
"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports and other public areas," the alert stated. "Terrorists have also previously targeted Western tourists and expatriates for kidnapping and assassination."
The latest warning was raised to level 4, or "do not travel" from level 3, or "reconsider travel," the alert explained.
In addition to the actual threat of terrorist attacks, Turkish security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, for alleged terrorist affiliations, based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated, the alert said.
US citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey, the alert added. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Turkish government as well as criticism of the government, including on social media, can result in arrest.
