US State Department Orders Consulate Families in Istanbul to Leave Country

The US State Department ordered family members of consulate employees in Istanbul to leave the country, citing threats against US citizens.

    "The Department of State made this decision based on security information indicating extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack US citizens in areas of Istanbul where they reside or frequent," the Department said in a statement.

    The State Department said the US Consulate General in Istanbul remains open and said the order does not apply to any other US diplomatic posts in Turkey.

    Saturday's warning updates previous State Department advisories of "increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey". The department advises US citizens to avoid travel to southeast Turkey and also advises caution on the risks of traveling anywhere in the country.

Source: QNA