INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Embassy Ankara Warden Message #2

This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens to several upcoming events in Turkey that could be used as occasions for demonstrations or terrorist acts. While U.S. citizens are urged to maintain high security vigilance as a matter of routine, the following timeframe is of particular note:

The Nevruz holiday falls on March 21 this year and it is often accompanied by PKK-related protests, which have the potential to turn violent. Some Nevruz observations may take place the preceding weekend, March 17 and 18.

The coming of spring's warmer weather has traditionally marked an annual up tick in the PKK's tempo of violence. The same could be the case this year. At the same time, the Kurdish separatist group Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) recently issued a general warning, similar to ones issued in past years, that it will attack tourist facilities in Turkey. There are no indications of specifics or timeframes.

This spring the U.S. Congress may consider a non-binding resolution connected with Armenia and the events of 1915. The Administration has made its opposition to any resolution on this topic clear. If, despite the Administration's concerted efforts against this resolution, it makes its way to the floor of the House for debate and a possible vote, there could be a reaction in the form of demonstrations and increased anti-Americanism throughout Turkey.


The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for violence, to avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred, and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. 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.

In addition, facilities where Americans and other foreigners are known to live, congregate, shop or visit, especially hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, places of worship, schools, and outdoor recreation events and resorts are potential targets both for demonstrations and for attacks by terrorist groups. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Turkey are encouraged to register with the Embassy or nearest consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkey. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, at the Consulate General in Istanbul, at the Consulate in Adana, or with the Consular Agent in Izmir to obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey. Embassy communications with the resident American citizen community, or "Warden Messages," can be found on the Embassy's website at http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular information Sheet for Turkey. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada , or, for callers outside the U.S. 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).

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

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site 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, web site: http://adana.usconsulate.gov

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755