By Ilhan Toprak
ANKARA (AA) – The British and German embassies in the capital Ankara are currently closed amid arrests by Turkish security forces of suspects initially thought to have been plotting attacks, said the embassies as well as Turkish authorities.
The Interior Ministry said in a statement, “Although there is no specific threat, both embassies remained closed for security reasons.”
The suspects were initially thought by security units to have ties with intelligence that Daesh could attack the embassies this week, but there was “no clear finding” that the suspects were affiliated with any terror groups under ongoing investigation, said the statement.
The suspects were apprehended in Istanbul and Ankara thanks to intelligence cooperation between Turkey, Britain, and Germany before this week’s Eid al-Adha holiday, said Turkish authorities.
British Ambassador Richard Moore lauded Turkey’s actions on Twitter, saying, “Turkish officials have taken proper measures against the threat. We trust them a lot. I thank them for making efforts but to close the embassy in this situation is a reasonable measure.”
“Long-standing UK policy not to comment on intelligence matters but working closely & cooperatively with Turkish authorities,” he added.
The Interior Ministry also said Turkey has worked closely with the embassies to strengthen security.
There is no word on how long the embassies will remain closed.
