Turkey: Police fire on tractor driver in Ankara Oct. 16

Event

Security forces in Ankara shot a tractor driver on Tuesday, October 16, after he crashed through several cars and appeared headed for the Israeli Embassy. Police reportedly engaged the suspect on Ataturk Boulevard as he attempted to access the Israeli mission to stage a protest. Local officials indicated the man suffered from psychological problems and there is no initial indication of any link to terrorism. The situation has been contained and normal traffic circulation has resumed. 

Context

The Israeli mission is a high-profile target for protests following a diplomatic dispute between Turkey and Israel over the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem and violence in Gaza. In May 2018, thousands of protesters gathered outside the Israeli Embassy to protest the alleged killings of Palestinians by Israeli security forces.

Advice

Individuals in Ankara, and Turkey more generally, are advised to maintain a high degree of vigilance, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed especially likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels, and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).