Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has warned of the prospect of
additional attacks in Turkey.

The State Department urged Americans to be on alert for the potential of
violence in Turkey. In a statement, the department warned of protests
against the government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan.

“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence,” the department said on Feb. 3.

“U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.”

The statement was issued in wake of an attack on the U.S. embassy on
Ankara on Feb. 1. At least three people were killed in the suicide bombing outside the embassy compound.

“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in
Turkey to be alert to the potential for violence, to avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred, and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings,” the statement said.

The attack closed the embassy for a brief period. By Feb. 4, the embassy as well as U.S. consulates in Turkey reopened as the bomber was identified as a member of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front, believed to be planning additional attacks.

“The U.S. and Turkey have suffered from terrorism both separately and
together,” U.S. ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone said. “Such
incidents only reinforce our shared will to defeat terrorists and to
strengthen the rule of law which they aim to undermine.”

  Francis Ricciardone, Recep Erdogan, Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front, U.S. alerts citizens to new threats after embassy bombing in Turkey