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