Turkiye: Authorities increase security, impose public gathering bans in southeastern provinces until at least June 12

Authorities increased security in multiple southeastern Turkiye provinces through at least June 12 due to concerns over potential reprisals and other forms of backlash following authorities' removal of the mayor of Hakkari from his office. The governments of five provinces issued orders on June 3 imposing bans on demonstrations, marches, and other forms of public gatherings, as well as placing restrictions on entry into/exit from their respective territories in the coming days. Authorities have pointed to several national security and public safety concerns, including the potential for increased terrorist activity, as the basis for the increased security measures. Officials in other provinces may issue similar directives over the coming days. As of June 3, restrictions are in place in the following regions:

• Batman: Restrictions across the province until 23:59 June 9.

• Bitlis: Restrictions in Tatvan District until 23:59 June 10.

• Diyarbakir: Restriction across the province until 14:14 June 7.

• Hakkari: Restrictions across the province until 23:59 June 12.

• Van: Restrictions will be in effect province-wide until June 7 (end-time not given.)

Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased numbers of civilian police and military personnel across affected provinces until it becomes clear that any security threat has abated. Security measures could include checkpoints along major thoroughfares in the region, increased vehicular and pedestrian searches, and the imposition of temporary closure zones, among other actions. Transport disruptions are likely. Pro-Kurdish activist groups could stage protests in response to the mayor's removal; police will very likely respond swiftly and forcefully to any such gatherings that may materialize. Heightened Turkish army activity or operations targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group cannot be ruled out.