Officials at the Israeli Counter Terrorism Bureau (CTB) have lowered the threat level of Turkish cities, but recommended travelers avoid all non-essential travel to Turkey, reports YNet News.
The travel advisory for Turkish destinations is currently at "potentially ongoing," the lowest of the CTB's four stages of alert. The CTB had previously issued a warning to tourists planning to travel to Turkey in March, claiming that Iranian militants were actively targeting Israeli citizens.
CTB officials revised the travel advisory following a security assessment of Turkish cities such as Istanbul. Despite the reduced level of alert, CTB officials warned Israeli citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Turkey.
"There is an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in Turkey," said a spokesperson for the CTB, as quoted by the news source. "Accordingly, it is the CTB's recommendation to avoid non-essential visits to the country or at least take precautions and remain highly vigilant."
According to Israel National News, CTB officials initially warned against travel to Turkey following reports that Iranian militants belonging to an organization known as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards-Quds Force had entered the country in March. Intelligence reports indicated that the group was planning to target both civilians and Israeli diplomats visiting the country.
