Germany: Stay away from Istanbul tourist sites

Germany is warning its citizens to avoid crowds and tourist sites in Istanbul after 10 people were killed and 15 wounded in a suspected terrorist attack in Turkey’s largest city.

“Travelers in Istanbul are strongly urged to avoid for now large groups of people in public places as well as tourist attractions” and to stay informed via official travel advisories and the media, the foreign ministry says.

The ministry on its website warns of possible “political tensions as well as violent clashes and terrorist attacks across the country,” adding that tourists should avoid large demonstrations.

It tells AFP later that it could not be ruled out that German nationals were hurt in the Turkish attack and said crisis teams at the ministry in Berlin and the consulate in Istanbul are working to establish the facts.

— AFP