25 Oct 2024 | 07:39 PM UTC
Turkiye: Authorities likely to maintain increased security nationwide through at least late October following Oct. 23 attack in Ankara /update 5
Authorities maintain tight security across Turkiye through at least late October after Oct. 23 attack in Ankara. Disruptions likely.
Officials will likely maintain increased security across Turkiye during Republic Day on Oct. 29 and continue these measures through at least late October in response to the Turkish Aerospace Industries attack on Oct. 23. Tight security measures such as cordons, checkpoints, and vehicle searches are possible near Republic Day celebrations nationwide. Additionally, authorities in Ankara and Izmir have canceled planned celebrations in their cities. Other cities may enact similar safety measures in the wake of the attack.
Additional security measures are likely at sensitive sites nationwide, including tourist hotspots, military bases, defense industry sites, and government buildings. As of early Oct. 24, officials raised the security levels at airports, including Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Restrictions on access to social media sites have been reported across the country in the wake of the attack.
Groups may stage protests in major centers nationwide to denounce the Oct. 23 attack. Security forces may conduct operations, including raids against suspected terrorist cells, across the country. Further, terrorist-sponsored attacks are possible.
Heightened security is likely in urban centers nationwide, particularly near Republic Day events in city centers Oct. 29. Security-related disruptions are possible for international arrivals at airports, maritime ports, and land border crossings. As a precaution, responses to potential security incidents, including suspicious packages and bomb threats, will likely be enhanced throughout the region in the coming weeks. Precautionary security force reactions, including evacuations and search operations, will likely prompt short notice and short-term business and public transport disruptions. Additional security procedures may disrupt organized gatherings such as conferences, religious and public commemorations, and sporting and other cultural events.
Prepare for heightened security and security-related disruptions in coming days. Allow additional time for travel to and passenger processing at international airports, as well as in urban centers on Oct. 29. Ensure travel documentation is up to date. Avoid travel in the vicinity of sensitive sites, and avoid areas affected by counter-terrorism operations. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities. Avoid any protest activity as a standard security measure. Immediately seek cover at the first sign of any security disturbance.
Authorities report that at least five individuals were killed and 22 injured as a result of the Turkish Aerospace Industries attack, Oct. 23; additionally, at least two attackers were incapacitated. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya characterized the incident as a "terrorist attack." As of Oct. 24, Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that Turkish forces had conducted airstrikes on PKK targets in Iraq and Syria in response to the attack.
