Travel

#Turkey travel advice.

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect places visited by foreigners.

On Monday 18 May, the local offices of the political party HDP (People’s Democratic Party) in Adana and Mersin (both in southern Turkey) were attacked with explosive devices. On 5 June, two people were killed and many injured by an explosion at an HDP rally in Diyarbakir. On 9 June, four people were killed in attack in Diyarbakir.

Turkey shares a long border with Syria. Thousands of foreign nationals, including some British nationals, have recently used Turkey as a transit route with some joining terrorist groups like ANF (Al Nusra Front) and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in Syria. ISIL, although based in Syria and Iraq, have the capacity to carry out attacks in neighbouring countries, including Turkey. Media reports suggest that terrorists could target areas throughout Turkey, including Ankara, Istanbul and areas close to the Syrian border.

Extremist groups in northern Syria have recently targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border, including a roadblock leading to the Bab al-Hawa crossing near Reyhanli in Hatay province (in Turkey). In May 2014, a car bomb was detonated at a garage on the Syrian side of the border near the Bab Al-Salameh border crossing point between Turkey and Syria. In March 2014, a Turkish police checkpoint between Adana and Niğde provinces came under fire from a group of foreign extremists who had been based in Syria. Three Turkish nationals were killed.

There is a domestic terrorist presence in the south east of the country, including in Van, Bitlis, Bingol, Elazig, Mus, Batman, Erzincan, Diyarbakir and Agri provinces. But following the launch of talks in December 2012 between the Turkish Government and the PKK (proscribed as a terrorist group in the UK), there has been a marked decline in terrorist activity in the region. A significant number of PKK terrorists have left Turkey as peace talks continue, though the group froze its withdrawal in September 2013.

The anti-western, proscribed terrorist group, THKP/C-Acilciler (Turkish People’s Liberation Party/Front) and the linked DHKP/C (Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front) remain active. In 2013, a DHKP/C suicide bomber targeted the US Embassy in Ankara killing himself and a Turkish security guard.

Between approximately 30 March and 20 April, there are several dates significant to the DHKP/C, starting with the 30 March anniversary of their founding which may have been linked to previous attacks. 19 December is also recognised as an important date around which the DHKP/C may be active.

On 1 April, members of the terrorist DHKP-C organisation opened fire on a police station in central Istanbul. One terrorist was killed.

On 31 March, two DHKP-C terrorists and a hostage were killed following an exchange of fire with police at an Istanbul court.

One Turkish national was killed following a bombing in the Sisli district of Istanbul on 25 March. Turkish police intercepted a vehicle carrying weapons into Istanbul over the weekend of 21/22 March.

Following a suicide bombing in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul on 6 January, police discovered a number of explosive devices planted in a range of locations across Istanbul during the weekend of 17/18 January. One device exploded but there were no casualties.

On 9 October 2014, 2 police officers in Bingol (south eastern Turkey) were killed in a suspected terrorist attack.

Methods of attack have included armed assaults, suicide bombings, car bombings and rocket attacks and improvised explosive devices left in refuse bins, crowded areas and on public transport.

Be vigilant, monitor media reports and keep up to date with the travel advice.

There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Kidnapping

There is a threat of kidnapping near the Syrian border in Turkey.

Terrorist groups operating in Syria, including those like ISIL who routinely use kidnapping as a tactic, are present in the Syrian border areas and are capable of conducting kidnappings from across the border. ISIL and other terrorist groups view those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism as legitimate targets. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as protection or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.