New Turkish terror strike 'imminent'
By Stephen Deal, Metro
Last updated at 11:24 26 November 2003
More terror attacks on Turkish cities are imminent, the Foreign Office warned last night.
It advised Britons against all but essential travel to Istanbul, Ankara and other major centres.
Travellers should be especially wary around British interests and government institutions, officials said.
The warning came as nine people were charged over last week's double suicide bombings in Istanbul.
They are accused of being members of an illegal organisation, a charge that carries a five-year jail sentence.
At least 29 people died in last Thursday's explosions at the British consulate and HSBC bank's headquarters in Istanbul. The three British victims included Consul-General Roger Short.
The Foreign Office said sites symbolising the political, religious and economic values of western countries, including Britain, were particularly at risk - although Turkish buildings and synagogues have also been targeted by groups linked to Al-Qaeda.
A sermon read at Turkish mosques yesterday at the start of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, had a strong anti-terror message and called for love and tolerance.
In a televised address, prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also urged Turks to resist terrorism.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's Champions League match against Turkish side Besiktas next month is being moved to a neutral country.
Police killed two militants planning to carry out a bomb attack in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, yesterday.
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