Talking Points: Turkey (July 27, 2016)

Talking Points – Turkey Terror Attacks

Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have

questions about travel to Turkey. (Updated July 27, 2016)

1. Over the past year, Turkey has been rocked by a number of high profile terror attacks

and a failed coup attempt, on July 15, which led to the deaths of nearly 250 people.

2. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Turkey on July 26, 2016, due

to increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and because “tourists have

been explicitly targeted” by terrorism.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make

informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further

illustrate each talking point.

1. Over the past year, Turkey has been rocked by a number of high profile terror attacks

and a failed coup attempt, on July 15, which led to the deaths of nearly 250 people.

 On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction of Turkey’s armed forces attempted to overthrow

the government and seize power.

o According to the BBC, “At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000

injured in clashes during the abortive coup.” In addition, “Turkey says 8,651

members, or 1.5%, of the nation’s armed forces took part in the failed coup on

July 15.”

o Turkish troops launched operations in Istanbul and Ankara in the attempted

coup.

 In Istanbul, both bridges across the Bosphorus, the strait separating the

European and Asian sides of the city, were closed to traffic.

 All flights at Ataturk Istanbul Airport were suspended.

 Broadcasters were forced off the air at CNN Turk in Istanbul and at the

state run TRT after armed soldiers stormed the buildings.

 Explosions and gunfire reported in Istanbul and Ankara.

 In the aftermath of the failed coup:

o The Turkish government instituted a three month “state of emergency” where,

according to CNN, it can “impose curfews and declare certain public and private

areas off limits, and it can ban or restrict meetings, gatherings and rallies.”

o The BBC reports that “detention warrants” have been issued for nearly 90

journalists “as part of a crackdown that has already resulted in detentions of

nearly 16,000 people.”

 According to a message issued by the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul on July 21:

o “U.S. Consulate General Istanbul advises U.S. citizens in Istanbul that it has

encouraged its staff to consider limiting non-essential travel throughout the city,

especially to public areas or sites frequented by westerners and/or foreigners.

Extremist organizations may seek to take advantage of the aftermath of the July

15 coup attempt to conduct near-term terrorist attacks. Private U.S. citizens are

again reminded to review the Turkey travel warning and security messages on

Consulate Istanbul’s website, adjust their personal security plans, and remain

vigilant at all times.”

 There have been several high profile and deadly terrorist attacks in Turkey during 2016,

including in Istanbul and Anakara.

o On June 28, 2016, Ataturk Airport (IST) – one of the world’s busiest airports –

was attacked by terrorists, killing at least 41 and injuring 239 others. The airport

has reopened and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted its

temporary hold on flights to and from the United States.

o On June 7, a car bomb attack in central Istanbul targeted a police bus, killing

seven officers and four civilians. The attack occurred near the city’s historic

Beyazit Square neighborhood.

o On April 27, a suicide bomber struck in the western Turkish city of Bursa, injuring

13 people. The attack took place near the city’s 14th Century Grand Mosque, a

symbol of the city wounding 13.

o On March 31, seven police officers were killed and 27 others wounded after an

explosion hit a passing police vehicle in the south-eastern Turkish city of

Diyarbakır.

o On March 19, on Istanbul’s Istiklal Street, the city’s main shopping street, a

suicide bomber killed four other people – including two with U.S.-Israeli

citizenships – and injuring another 36. Turkey’s Interior Ministry indicated that the

bomber belonged to the Islamic State.

o On March 13, a car bomb exploded in Ankara, killing 37 and wounding over 100.

The explosion occurred in Guven Park in the Kizilay district, a key transport hub

and commercial area.

o On February 17, 2016, an attack on a military convoy as it passed government

buildings in Turkey’s capital of Ankara killed 28 (including and injured another 61.

On the following day (February 18), another convoy in southeast Turkey was hit

by a bomb, killing at least six troops.

o On January 12, 2016, an explosion in the heart of Istanbul’s cultural and tourist

center at Sultanahmet Square – amid major tourism sites including Hagia Sofia

and the Blue Mosque – killed 10 people and injured another 17.

2. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Turkey on July 26, 2016, due

to increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and because “tourists have

been explicitly targeted” by terrorism.

 On July 16, 2016, the U.S. State Department updated its existing Travel Warning for

Turkey to warn “U.S. citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout

Turkey and to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey” in addition to stating that it reflects

“the July 25, 2016, decision to authorize the voluntary departure of family members of

employees posted to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and U.S. Consulate General in

Istanbul, Turkey.” The Travel Warning further states:

o The decision to authorize voluntary departures is due to the “July 15 attempted

coup and subsequent declaration by the Turkish government of a 90-day State of

Emergency.”

o “The Department continues to monitor the effect of these developments on the

overall security situation in the country and advises U.S. citizens to reconsider

travel to Turkey at this time. During this period, U.S. citizens in Turkey may see

an increase in police or military activities and restrictions on movement.”

o “Foreign and U.S. tourists have been explicitly targeted by international and

indigenous terrorist organizations.”

 “As stated in the Worldwide Caution dated March 3, 2016, throughout

Europe extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open

markets, aviation services, transportation systems, and public venues

where people congregate as well as religious sites and high-profile

events.”

o “U.S. citizens are reminded to review personal security plans and remain vigilant

at all times.”

o “U.S. Government personnel in Turkey remain subject to travel restrictions in the

southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir,

Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazig.

o “U.S. citizens should avoid areas in close proximity to the Syrian border.”

o For your safety:

 Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, particularly near the Syrian border.

 Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.

 Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access

areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.

 Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.

 Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.

 Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.

 Monitor local media.

 Multiple cruise lines are altering itineraries that include ports of call in Turkey, due to the

ongoing situation and active U.S. Travel Warning.

o According to Cruise Critic, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises “are among

those that have altered itineraries due to political turmoil and airport closures …

[replacing] scheduled calls at Kusadasi with nearby ports in Greece or sea days.

Celebrity also canceled a visit to Bodrum and will visit Sicily in its place.”

o Travel Agent reports that Holland America Line “out of an abundance of caution”

has changed the itinerary for the Eurodam’s “Mediterranean Empires” cruise,

which departed Sunday, July 17. “For that specific sailing, Eurodam will no longer

call at the scheduled ports of Istanbul, Mytilene (Lesbos), Greece or Kuşadasi

(Ephesus), Turkey. Instead, Holland America added four new ports and extended

port call times in both Iraklion and Piraeus (Athens).”

o At the end of June, USA Today reported that “Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise

Line, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas

Cruises and Oceania Cruises all had previously canceled visits to Turkey for

2016. Norwegian, Regent and Oceania also have dropped calls in Turkey for

2017.”

o Silversea Cruises removed Istanbul from its upcoming itineraries after the airport

bombing, “… following an increased number of travel advisories distributed by

international agencies, we are taking the proactive step to remove Istanbul from

itineraries in the immediate future and through the whole of 2017, and replace it

with a stop in Athens, Greece.”

 The United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) says that “The situation

in Turkey appears to be calming following an attempted coup overnight on 15-16 July.

The security environment, however, remains potentially volatile. Flights to, from and

through airports in Turkey have returned to normal. Check with your airline or travel

company if you need more information before you travel.”

o “If you’re in Turkey, you should be vigilant, follow the advice of the local

authorities, closely monitor travel advice and contact your airline or travel

company for more information.”

o “President Erdogan has announced a state of emergency for three months from

July 21, 2016. The state of emergency is focused on those involved in the

attempted coup and isn’t expected to impact tourists. Make sure you carry your

passport and a printed copy of your e-visa or your residence permit with you at

all times.”

o “In Istanbul and Ankara demonstrations may occur at short notice. You should be

vigilant, particularly in areas where crowds may gather, and stay well away from

any demonstrations. Take sensible precautions if you’re near any military or

security forces. Roadblocks are in place in some areas.”

o “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to within

10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.”

o “The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

 the remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir,

Kilis and Hatay provinces

 Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari”

 The Government of Canada advises “against non-essential travel to Turkey.”

o If you are in Turkey, restrict your movements, ensure that your travel documents

are up to date, and keep abreast of the latest developments.”

o “On July 15 and 16, 2016, an attempted coup took place in Turkey. The Turkish

government regained control of the situation and restored calm throughout the

country. On July 21, the Turkish government imposed a state of emergency.

Conditions remain volatile and the situation can change rapidly, especially in

large cities. Expect an increased presence of security forces in large cities,

random identification checks and curfews. Carry your passport at all times, and

follow the instructions of local authorities.”

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make

informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and

register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering

information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of

State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly

encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to

maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member

back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they

could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and

a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a

demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as

possible.

o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the

locations they plan to visit.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other

valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not

accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is

capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it

doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention

and medical evacuation.

 The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful Traveler’s Checklist that provides

additional travel tips.

 Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free

in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers

are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except

U.S. federal holidays).

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the

more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular

with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may

be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to

travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is

currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being

and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.