Turkey taking necessary security measures, Ankara says to Israel

Turkey is taking necessary security measures concerning the fight against terrorism, Ankara said on June 14 in response to Israel raising its travel advisory to the highest level because of what it said was a threat of Iranian attempts to kill or abduct Israelis vacationing in Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tanju Bilgiç recalled that in recent days, it is observed that "some countries" issue travel advisory regarding their citizens in Turkey. 

"These travel warnings are considered to be related to different international developments and motives. In fact, our relevant authorities are taking all the necessary security measures within the framework of our cooperation mechanisms regarding fight against terrorism," Bilgiç said in a written statement.

It is a fact that Turkey is a "safe" country and continues to fight against terrorism in the "most effective" way through domestic and cross-border operations, he said, adding that the "successful" results in fight against terrorism can be seen clearly.

"In this context, while our country maintains its fight against terrorism without any discrimination among terrorist organizations, we also contribute to the security of the international community. This fact is also known and commended by the international community," the statement read.

Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on June 13 urged citizens in Turkey to leave "as soon as possible" over threats that Iranian operatives are actively planning attacks on Israelis in Istanbul.  

The stark warning comes amid the latest surge in tensions between bitter rivals Iran and Israel, with Tehran blaming the Jewish state for a series of attacks on its nuclear and military infrastructure not only inside Iran but also inside...