Ankara on Friday strongly urged Turkish citizens in Syria to return home, saying that developments there posed serious risks. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also stated that consular services at the Turkish embassy in Damascus will be halted March 22, however the Turkish consulate in Aleppo will remain open for the foreseeable future.
The announcement released by the ministry stated, "It is apparent that the course of events in Syria poses serious security risks to our citizens. Therefore, we strongly urge all Turkish nationals residing in Syria to return home."
The Ministry also reiterated a warning against travelling by road in Syria and urged citizens to refrain from using highways unless absolutely necessary and if so, then to make sure they travel during the day.
Turkey will also be halting all consular services at the Damascus Embassy starting at 17:00 Thursday, March 22nd. The Aleppo Embassy will continue to offer consular services as long as conditions permit. Meanwhile, Turkish citizens needing assistance in Syria can also always contact the embassies in Beirut and Amman.
The announcement also stated, "All Turkish citizens in Syria are recommended to contact our Ministry's Consular Call Center (90 312 292 29 29), which will be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should they want to be advised on consular services and procedures."
