Why are consulates temporarily closed?

Following the security warning issued by the US Embassy on January 27, major European countries made similar statements and decided to temporarily close their consulates in Istanbul, especially around Taksim.

The statements reflected that the security alert was based on “serious and specific” intelligence about a terrorist act that could target foreign missions, churches, synagogues and tourist sites, and cooperated with Turkish authorities.

The Interior Ministry also announced in a statement that the warnings were carefully examined.

Minister Soylu, for her part, accused countries that closed their consulates of using “psychological warfare” against Turkey.

The security warnings and the closure of consulates, which provoked harsh criticism of the Interior Minister, Süleyman Soylu, began last week with the declarations of the US embassy and followed those of France, England and the Netherlands.

The US Embassy warned on January 27 that there could be retaliation for the burning of the Koran, which began in Sweden and later spread to other European countries, and urged its citizens to stay away from places and places of worship. Where do foreigners go? .

In an updated warning on January 30, the Embassy indicated that the US government warned its citizens about a possible terrorist attack in Istanbul, especially around Beyoğlu, Galata, Taksim and Istiklal, and that the Turkish authorities they are investigating the matter.

France and Germany warned their citizens with their statements on January 27, England on January 29.

In addition to these countries, the Netherlands and Sweden, whose consular building is located in the vicinity of Istiklal Caddesi, also issued a warning and announced that they had temporarily suspended consular activities.

France also announced that education at Pierre Loti High School was suspended for two days.

Switzerland announced today that it has closed its consulate general in Levent until further notice.

It was noted that the US did not close the consulate general building in Tarabya, as the intelligence that prompted the security measures is mainly related to the Beyoğlu region.

Responding to NTV’s questions about the security alert, US Consul General in Istanbul Julie Eadeh said: “The security of American citizens is our number one priority. When we receive intelligence about any threat, we have a responsibility to alert our citizens. “We are very concerned about the burning of the Koran and possible retaliatory attacks in Europe,” she said.

Eadeh said the update alert also reflects “concerns about churches, synagogues and diplomatic missions, places where large numbers of foreigners congregate, such as places of worship.”

INFORMATION EXCHANGE WAS MADE

The statements from these countries did not disclose what intelligence the security warnings were based on.

However, diplomatic sources that provide information to the Turkish BBC affirm that there is reliable and specific intelligence, and that security measures have been taken in this framework.

The intelligence is claimed to have been obtained by the US and shared with Turkish security units and other Western countries.

It is common practice for embassies residing in Turkey to pass on confidential information and intelligence about possible terrorist acts to the Turkish authorities from time to time.

Intensive intelligence cooperation regarding the movements of foreign fighters who are members of ISIS and similar organizations, especially during the Syrian civil war, took place frequently in the Turkish and foreign press.

The organization, which grew stronger in late 2012 and declared to establish a state in Iraq and Syria, carried out more than one terrorist act in Turkey and European capitals, killing hundreds of people.

Although no names are given in the security advisories issued by the embassies, it is understood both from the general threat situation and from statements made by Turkey that it is ISIS, Al-Qaeda or extremist Islamist groups affiliated with them.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS: WE RECEIVE INTELLIGENCE FROM FRIENDLY COUNTRIES

After repeated security warnings from Western countries, the Ministry of the Interior issued a statement on January 30 and shared its assessment of the situation with the public.

Noting that security measures were taken at the highest level after actions against the Quran in Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark, the ministry said: The information that he is seeking action in the country has also been evaluated.

Stating that the intelligence information transmitted to Turkey from those countries was meticulously examined, the Interior Ministry said: “People who came from a friendly country and were mentioned in the security warning note of the country in question were detained. During the searches, no weapons, ammunition or signs of action were found. However, the investigation is being carried out meticulously in all aspects, including reviews of digital material.

From the ministry’s statement, it is unclear from which friendly country this intelligence was received.

SOYLU: THE ISIS EVENT

In his statement today, Interior Minister Soylu indirectly blamed the US, saying it was instructing other countries to close their consulates.

Describing the developments, Soylu said: “The story is this: an intelligence officer from a different country offered employment to some people thought to be DAESH members in Turkey, the Republic of Turkey clearly followed that moment, some trips were he did with those who offered to work, and then Turkey This intelligence officer left the city,” he said, adding:

“When this intelligence officer got no results, he traded this information to the country that gave the first reaction and the information, and then psychological warfare is being waged against Turkey with the understanding that there may be a DAESH attack on Turkey. ”

The Minister of the Interior also reported that 15 people were detained and five of them were arrested for the intelligence information they were given about the incident, which they described as psychological warfare.

However, Soylu compared these latest developments to the joint statement made by 10 Western ambassadors for the release of Osman Kavala in 2021, saying: “In other words, when they couldn’t get the person they wanted out of prison, the ambassadors who signed the In the text, the ambassadors who tried to carry out a legal operation in Turkey, are now under the operation of the well-known ambassador. They are trying to carry out a security breach, a terrorist operation in Turkey. Everything is very clear and clear.”