Car hire in Turkey - Safety and Security

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Safety and Security

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Bombings over the past two years have struck religious, political, and business targets in a variety of locations in Turkey. The potential remains throughout Turkey for violence and terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests, both by transnational and indigenous terrorist organizations.

On November 20, 2003, suicide bombers simultaneously exploded vehicle bombs in front of the British Consulate General in Tepebasi (near the Taksim neighborhood of Istanbul) and the London-based HSBC bank in Levent , Istanbul. On November 15, 2003, two vehicle bombs were detonated outside of the Neve Shalom and Bet Israel Jewish synagogues in the Beyoglu and Sisli neighborhoods of Istanbul. Loss of life was considerable. The Al-Qa'ida network has claimed responsibility for these attacks; however, the investigation into these incidents is ongoing. These incidents represent a significant change from prior attacks in Turkey, which have previously involved small-scale, random bombings and small numbers of casualties.

Actions by indigenous terrorist groups also remain a concern. In the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War, the predecessor to the Turkish group Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front assassinated two Americans in Turkey. Recent information suggests that the DHKP/C may again be targeting Americans or American interests in Turkey. While the operational capabilities of terrorist groups such as the PKK/KADEK and others have diminished in recent years, these groups may use terrorist activity to make political statements, particularly in Istanbul and other urban areas of Turkey.

Indigenous extremist groups continue to target Turkish officials and various civilian facilities. In 2002 and 2003, civilian venues such as fast food restaurants have been the targets of minor bomb attacks. The devices used have mainly consisted of concussion bombs (similar to large firecrackers), which have caused no injuries; however, in January a nonfunctional pipe bomb was discovered at a restaurant in Istanbul. Other small-scale incidents have occurred as recently as October 2003 in various locations in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana. Sound bombs were previously located at a McDonald's restaurant in Eminonu, near the “Orient Express” train station. Another bomb was located and detonated by the Turkish National Police at a McDonald's in the Pendik district on the Asian side of Istanbul. There were no injuries, but there was significant property damage. On May 20, 2003, a bomb went off at a cafeteria in the Kizilay area of Ankara. The suicide bomber (a member of an indigenous terrorist group) died, and one civilian was injured. Similar, random bombings are likely to continue.

In light of the recent bombings in Istanbul and ongoing security concerns, Americans should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and exercise caution. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit, especially hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable.

International and domestic political issues sometimes trigger a number of largely peaceful demonstrations in most major cities in Turkey. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.