“The U.S. Mission in Turkey has received credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against U.S. citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, including against the U.S. Consulate General, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey,” the embassy in Ankara said in a statement.

The embassy urged U.S. citizens to exercise heightened caution in locations where Americans or foreigners may gather, including large office buildings or shopping malls.

The embassy noted that all American Citizen and visa services at U.S. Mission in Turkey’s facilities (including U.S. Embassy-Ankara, U.S. Consulate General-Istanbul, U.S. Consulate-Adana, and the U.S. Consular Agency-Izmir) would be temporarily suspended.

“Individuals with scheduled appointments will be notified by email with instructions on how to reschedule their appointments,” the embassy added      

The embassy also wanted its citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant. (ILKHA)