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Report: Turkey terror warnings
ANKARA, Turkey (CNN) -- Turkey has reportedly warned of possible terror attacks this month specifically targeting Westerners and officials after 35 specially trained terrorists recently entered the country from northern Iraq. Turkish newspaper Zaman reports that two terror warnings were issued by the Security General Directorate and sent to security units in provincial Turkey. One of the warnings said al Qaeda terrorists would attempt bombings, including suicide bombings, in April. The target of the attacks would be business centers, airports, humanitarian aid establishments and logistic depots in Turkey, the United States, England, Israel, Spain and Australia. Assassinations would also be plotted against the officials of these countries, the newspaper reports. Senior Australian officials -- including federal treasurer and future leadership contender Peter Costello -- will be in Turkey later this week for military memorial services at ANZAC Cove on the country's northwest coast. Australia's ambassador to Turkey, Jonathan Philp, told The Australian newspaper on Tuesday that he was aware of the reports but that the embassy did not comment on the specific details of security. "We're in close consultation with Turkish authorities, who have been extremely co-operative," Philp said. Turkish authorities are believed to be increasing security at the memorial site and Australian Federal Police are also being flown in to assist with protection. Many thousands of Australians and New Zealanders gather at the Turkish site each April 25 to commemorate the ill-fated World War I campaign in which more than 8,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers -- known as ANZACs -- lost their lives. Caution urged
Australians could be a specific target for al Qaeda terrorists in Turkey because of Canberra's participation in the war on Iraq and commitment of more than 2,000 troops to the U.S.-led action. Alleged al Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden said on audiotape last year that Australians were targeted in the October 12 Bali nightclub bombings because of the nation's involvement in the war on Afghanistan. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs warns Australians planning to attend the ceremonies in Turkey should exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in commercial and public areas, including those known to be frequented by foreigners. "In view of ongoing military action against Iraq, Australians planning to attend the ceremonies should remain aware of a continued heightened risk of terrorist activity against Western interests in Turkey," the department says. "Recent attacks against Western targets in Istanbul underline our existing advice that this risk applies throughout the country, including the north-west, where the ANZAC ceremonies are held," it warns. The US Government advised Americans to leave Turkey in a travel alert issued over the Easter break.
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