Istanbul nightclub attack

In Istanbul, Turkey, in the early-morning hours of Jan. 1, a gunman opened fire on a New Year’s Eve party at the popular nightclub Reina, killing 39 people, including 15 foreigners, and injuring 69 others. The foreign victims were identified as citizens of France, Belgium, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

The suspected gunman, an Uzbekistani national who had moved to Turkey in early 2016, was arrested soon after. According to authorities, the gunman said he was a member of Daesh (ISIL) and had been instructed to target Taksim Square but found security there to be too tight. He then randomly chose Reina.

The US Department of State warns of increased threats from terrorist groups in Turkey and recommends avoiding travel to southeastern Turkey due to the persistent threat.

Terrorist attacks in Turkey could occur at major events, tourist sites, restaurants, nightclubs, commercial centers, places of worship and transportation hubs and on public transport. Foreign tourists have been explicitly targeted by terrorist organizations in Turkey. 

On Jan. 4, the Turkish government extended the state of emergency through April 18, 2017. Under the state of emergency, security forces have expanded powers, and the government has, at times, restricted Internet access and media content. Also, US citizens have been deported and/or detained, sometimes held without access to lawyers or family members.