US Embassy Issues Security Alert Due to Attacks on US Businesses

The embassy in Turkey sent out an alert for American citizens.
US Embassy Issues Security Alert Due to Attacks on US Businesses
U.S. soldiers stand guard on the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on April 26, 2021, after the the United States closed its Ankara embassy and the consulate in Istanbul and two other cities for citizen and visa services as a precaution for April 26 and April 27. The closure came after Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 26, 2021, denounced U.S. President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless" and harmful to bilateral ties. Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images
Jack Phillips
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The U.S. Embassy in Turkey has issued a security alert due to recent protests and attacks that have targeted U.S.-branded businesses in the country amid the Israel–Hamas conflict.

“Demonstrations critical of U.S. foreign policy are expected to continue alongside calls for boycotts of U.S. businesses,” the embassy said Nov. 8 in a bulletin. “Large gatherings may result in enhanced police presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions.”

It noted that protests, including those “intended to be peaceful,” could “turn violent.” The bulletin also said that “recent protests at well-known U.S. cafes and fast food chains in Turkiye disrupted business and escalated to vandalism, property damage, and some injuries to individuals,” using an alternate spelling that reflects the country’s name in the Turkish language.

In October, video footage uploaded online showed pro-Palestinian rioters attacked multiple U.S.-based businesses, including a McDonald’s restaurant, in Istanbul, the country’s largest city. In a separate incident, local news outlet Duvar English reported that a man on Oct. 30 was arrested for attacking a Burger King location and stabbing an employee in Adana Province, claiming the food was tainted with “baby blood.”

Americans in Turkey are advised to “keep a low profile,” avoid protests and crowds, monitor local media for updates, and be aware of their surroundings, according to the embassy bulletin. Other details weren’t provided.

The U.S. State Department currently lists Turkey as Level 2, recommending U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution.” It also advises Americans not to travel to Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, or any area within six miles of the Turkey–Syria border.

It comes as the Turkish Parliament reportedly moved to remove Coca-Cola and Nestle products from its restaurants on Nov. 7 over the companies’ alleged support for Israel amid the conflict in Gaza, according to Reuters.

“The products of companies that support Israel will not be sold in restaurants, cafeterias, and tea houses in the parliament campus,” Turkey’s Grand National Assembly said.

Turkish activists have in recent days named both companies in social media posts that call for boycotts of Israeli goods and Western companies they view as endorsing Israel. The Turkish Parliament’s move is among the first by a government or major organization to target big global brands over the month-long war between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

Other Alerts

In a rare move last month, the U.S. State Department issued a “worldwide caution” alert, renewed on Nov. 9, for Americans traveling or living abroad.

The alert didn’t cite any specific country or conflict but said that “due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”

It then advised U.S. citizens to remain alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the agency’s travel program, and follow the agency on social media to receive alerts and updates. Other details were not provided.

Last month, the State Department raised the travel alert for both Israel and nearby Lebanon to Level 4, or its highest level. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut also allowed nonemergency personnel and family members to depart Lebanon and Israel.

Smoke rises from an explosion in Gaza, seen from Sderot, Israel, on Oct. 28, 2023. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Smoke rises from an explosion in Gaza, seen from Sderot, Israel, on Oct. 28, 2023. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Last weekend, embassy officials told Americans to leave Lebanon in the midst of the ongoing conflict.

“The [State Department] recommends that U.S. citizens in Lebanon leave now while commercial flights remain available due to the unpredictable security situation,” the agency posted on social media on Nov. 4.

The post suggested that Americans still in Lebanon should “have a plan of action for crisis situations that does not rely on U.S. government assistance,” and it added that “U.S. military-assisted evacuations of civilians from a foreign country are rare.”

“There is no guarantee the U.S. government will evacuate private U.S. citizens and their family members in a crisis situation,” the department continued. It didn’t list any specific threats that Americans in Lebanon might face.

Other countries in the region under the Level 4, or “do not travel,” designation include Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The newest alert comes as U.S. military forces struck multiple targets in Syria, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said in a statement. The strike in the eastern part of the country was ordered by President Joe Biden, he said.

“This precision self-defense strike is a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds Force affiliates,” Mr. Austin said.

Several weeks ago, the U.S. launched strikes against Iran-linked targets in the country, responding to recent rocket and drone attacks on American troops in the region, officials said. A U.S. Navy destroyer also shot down missiles and drones that were launched from Yemen that were allegedly heading to Israel last month, a Pentagon spokesman said at the time.

“The U.S. is fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities,” Mr. Austin added on Nov. 8. “We urge against any escalation.”

Reuters contributed to this report.
Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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