US Consulate in Istanbul closed Dec 9 over security threat

The Consulate General of the United States in Istanbul has announced that consular services have been cancelled for Dec. 9 due to a "possible security threat" against the U.S. 

"Public services, including visa appointments and non-emergency American Citizen Services appointments, for Dec. 9, 2015, are canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date," the statement said, announcing that the Consulate will operate with a limited staff for the day. 

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate in Adana, and the Consular Agency ?zmir will operate as usual, the message added. 

In its security announcement, the Consulate urged U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and aware to ensure their safety.

Extensive security measures have been taken around the consulate, as the main road leading to the consulate building was closed while police officers were posted to the entrance. Armored vehicles and water cannon were also dispatched to the area. 

The closure comes just days after a Dec. 5 warning by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of an "imminent security threat against the U.S. consulate compound" in Istanbul. 

"Due to information about an imminent security threat against the U.S. consulate compound, the U.S. Consulate General Istanbul advises all U.S. citizens to avoid the U.S. consulate today," the OSAC warned on its website.

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