US embassy in Ankara closes temporarily as Turkey remands 20 Daesh suspects

Police in the Ankara launched a counterterrorism operation on Monday following a statement released by the U.S. embassy in Turkey's capital noting that it will be closed to the public on Monday due to a security threat and that only emergency services will be provided.

The office of the attorney general announced that a decision to take 20 people into custody had been made, and that 12 of the 20 sought suspects had been arrested.

“A decision to take 20 suspects into custody within the context of an operation targeting Daesh has been made. Twelve of those suspects have been remanded. The operation is continuing,” a statement by the office of Ankara’s chief prosecutor said.

The embassy advised U.S. citizens in Turkey to avoid large crowds and the embassy building and to be aware of their own security when visiting popular tourist sites and crowded places.

It did not specify what the security threat was that prompted the closure.

Visa interviews and other routine services would be cancelled on Monday, the embassy said, adding that it would make an announcement when it was ready to reopen.