US authorises departure of families of staff in Turkey after coup

The US State Department has authorised the voluntary departure of the families of staff posted in Turkey after an abortive coup targeting the government, the embassy said on its website on Tuesday.

“The Department of State made this decision following the July 15 attempted coup and subsequent declaration by the Turkish government of a 90-day State of Emergency,” it said.

“The Department continues to monitor the effect of these developments on the overall security situation in the country and advises US citizens to reconsider travel to Turkey at this time,” it added.

The State Department also warned its citizens in Turkey “may see an increase in police or military activities and restrictions on movement.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency, saying it was needed to hunt down coup plotters.

Ankara has blamed supporters of US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen for the failed coup, and cracked down on the suspects in a massive purge.