14 Jul 2017 | 02:18 PM UTC
Turkey: Demonstration planned in Adana July 14
Anatolian Youth Union (AGD) plans march from Adana Asri cemetery to US Incirlik Air Base in Adana July 14; avoid area
Event
The Anatolian Youth Union (AGD) has planned a demonstration in Adana on Friday, July 14. The protest will begin at 18:00 (local time) at Adana Asri cemetery and continue past the US Consulate to Incirlik Air Base, where a rally is expected at 19:00. As Incirlik Air Base is the primary US air base in southern Turkey, US officials warn that the demonstration could become anti-American in character. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions should be expected.
Context
A recent constitutional referendum granting President Erdogan additional powers has exacerbated the country's already-heightened sociopolitical tensions. Additionally, Turkey has suffered repeated bombings and other attacks since the establishment of Islamic State (IS) in neighboring Iraq and Syria, as well as since the 2015 collapse of a long-term ceasefire between the government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency for Kurdish autonomy. In recent months, the Turkish military has intensified its airstrikes and military operations against the PKK. The United States’ cooperation with Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq has fostered tension between Ankara and Washington.
Advice
Individuals in Turkey are advised to remain abreast of any developments to the situation and avoid the area between Adana Asri cemetery and Incirlik Air Base on July 14. More generally, it is advisable to avoid any other demonstrations and rallies, carry proper identification at all times (e.g. passport), and cooperate with local authorities.
Due to the underlying threat of terrorism, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and maintain a high degree of vigilance, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, festivals, etc.). Some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.
