scotjimland
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- Jul 25, 2007
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Discussions on Morocco prompted me to look at Turkey and as I thought it now considered by the FCO as High Risk... https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/terrorism
It's certainly off my list .. sadly I think probably for some time to come..
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect places visited by foreigners.
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.
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.
Kidnapping
There is a threat from kidnapping near the Syrian border in Turkey.
Terrorist groups operating in Syria, including those like ISIL who routinely use kidnapping as a tactic, operate in the Syrian border areas. ISIL and other such groups view foreign nationals, including those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism, as legitimate targets. If detained, there’s no guarantee that explaining the reason for your presence will 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.
It's certainly off my list .. sadly I think probably for some time to come..
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect places visited by foreigners.
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.
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.
Kidnapping
There is a threat from kidnapping near the Syrian border in Turkey.
Terrorist groups operating in Syria, including those like ISIL who routinely use kidnapping as a tactic, operate in the Syrian border areas. ISIL and other such groups view foreign nationals, including those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism, as legitimate targets. If detained, there’s no guarantee that explaining the reason for your presence will 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.