Australia said on Thursday it had received information that terrorists may be planning to attack a World War One commemoration service at Gallipoli in Turkey later in the month.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement that Turkish authorities were aware of the information “and traditionally provide a high level of protective security around Anzac Day commemorations on the peninsula”.
ANZAC Day, on April 25, marks the first major battle involving troops from Australia and New Zealand in Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915. Hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders make a pilgrimage to the site every year for a military dawn service.
“The Australian government has received information to suggest terrorists may seek to target ANZAC Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula,” Bishop said in an emailed statement.
Australia updated its travel advice for Turkey on Thursday but did not change its statement that recommends visitors exercise a high degree of caution in the country and reconsider the need to visit Ankara and Istanbul.
