French diplomatic missions close doors in Turkey

French Consulate Istanbul July 13, 2016/JotiH

On what should have been a day a day of celebration, the French Embassy and Consulate General in Turkey sit quiet.

Police forces are a visible presence around and near the French missions after they were shut down on July 13 due to safety concerns.

The embassy and consulate were set to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14 in Istanbul and July 15 in Ankara. The celebrations were swiftly cancelled after what the French Consular General called a serious threat against planned celebrations for the holiday.

The diplomatic missions will remain closed until further notice. This is a developing story as officials investigate the threat.

Meanwhile the US Embassy in Ankara went ahead with its Independence Day reception on July 13. The reception was scheduled two weeks prior, but was postponed after three suicide bombers attacked Ataturk International Airport on June 28, killing 45 people and injuring hundreds.