Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens Message #3

August 12, 2011

Increased Threat Levels Dues to Kongra-Gel Terrorist Anniversary

The August 15 anniversary of the first Kongra-Gel (KGK, formerly known as the PKK) attack against Turkish government installations has historically provided an excuse for an escalation of violence.  While Kongra-Gel's intentions for this year’s anniversary are unclear, the potential for violence or unrest warrants increased awareness during this period. 

As discussed in previous Embassy Messages, Kongra-Gel has recently threatened increased violent activity in urban areas in Turkey, and there is credible information that Kongra-Gel intends to target tourist areas.  There have also been recent clashes involving security forces and Kongra-Gel in parts of Turkey outside its usual operating area in southeast Turkey. 

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for violence and the possibility of increased Kongra-Gel activity in urban and tourist areas, as well as throughout southeastern Turkey.  We encourage all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution and maintain a low profile throughout Turkey.  We reiterate Department of State advice to take prudent steps to ensure your personal safety: remain vigilant and aware of surroundings, listen to news reports, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and vary times and routes for all travel. 

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad should  enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to obtain updated information on travel and security.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or nearest Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad."

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  We also invite U.S. citizens to read the Country Specific Information for Turkey.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131, and on the web at http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Uçsehitler Sokagi No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102, and on the web at http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, and on the web at http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.