Threat to Anzac Day Commemorations in Turkey
TheAustralian Government has received information to suggest terrorists may seekto target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Turkishauthorities are aware of this information and traditionally provide a highlevel of protective security around Anzac Day commemorations on the peninsula.
In response,the travel advice for Turkey has been amended to reflect potential threats toAnzac Day commemorations.
While theoverall level of Smartraveller advice for Turkey and the Gallipoli Peninsulahas not changed from 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Gallipoli andTurkey overall, and we advise travellers to 'reconsider their need to travel'to Ankara and Istanbul, the advice has been updated to reflect that there isnew information.
Australianstravelling to the Anzac Day services should minimise transit time spent inIstanbul and Ankara. Travel advice for Turkey continues to recommend that travellersavoid large crowds and minimise time spent around potential targets for attack,including tourist sites.
TheAustralian Government does not provide this advice lightly. The traveladvice for Turkey, like all travel advisories, remains under close review andrepresents our best assessment of the safety and security environment thatAustralian travellers will experience in Turkey.
We areconscious of the effect of this on the many Australians planning to attend thisyear's Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli. In the current globalenvironment, major events attract threats of varying degrees of credibility.Regrettably Anzac Day is not immune.
We welcomeTurkey's long-term commitment to providing security for all people attendingAnzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli. For many years, Turkey hasprovided a high level of security to Anzac Day. We continue to work withTurkish authorities to keep Australians travelling to Anzac Day events safe.
Weencourage all Australians travelling to Gallipoli to subscribe to Smartravellertravel advice for the latest updates: www.smartraveller.gov.au