“Istanbul U.s. Consulate Closed To The Public Until Further Announcement": Officials

- The U.S. Consulate in Istanbul has announced that they will be closed to the public on Aug 10, after the security incident near the consulate building in Sarıyer district.

Two attackers, a man and a woman, have opened fire on the U.S. consulate building in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district on Aug. 10. The suspects have fled after police’s counter fire. The female suspect has been captured injured in an apartment where she was hiding, and was carried on a strecher to be hospitalized.

“We urge individuals to please avoid that area for the time being. Please monitor the news for further developments and maintain security awareness” said the Consulate.

The announcement added, “Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities”.

Istanbul’s U.S. Consulate also recommended their citizens and nationals who were travelling to or residing in the country, to enrol in State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) on mobile, or enrol directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, in order to ensure contact in case of emergency and to receive updated safety and security information.

According to the statement, by bookmarking their Bureau of Consular Affairs website and social media pages containing current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, U.S. citizens will be able to receive up to date security information.