Anzac Day terrorism fears: Government expresses concern over Gallipoli events

AUSTRALIANS heading to Anzac ceremonies at Gallipoli have been told to minimise time around tourist sites in Turkey due to terrorism dangers.

Thousands gathered for the 2016 Anzac dawn service on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

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TERRORISTS could target Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli, the federal government says.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, in a statement, said the government had received information to suggest terrorists may seek to target the commemorations later this month.

“Turkish authorities are aware of this information and traditionally provide a high level of protective security around Anzac Day commemorations on the peninsula,” the statement reads.

Mr Tehan said that advice pushed the government to now tell travellers to minimise transit time spent in Istanbul and Ankara.

Australian travellers to Turkey have been warned to exercise a “high degree of caution”. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

Travellers should also avoid large crowds and minimise time spent around potential targets for the attack, including tourist sites, he said.

The government already advises tourists travelling to Turkey to “reconsider their needs to travel” to Ankara and Istanbul, and to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Gallipoli.

Almost 40 people, including 27 tourists, died in Istanbul in January in a terrorist attack at a popular nightclub perpetrated by a former Islamic State fighter.

“We are conscious of the effect of this on the many Australians planning to attend this year’s Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli,” Mr Tehan said.

“In the current global environment, major events attract threats of varying degrees of credibility.

“Regrettably Anzac Day is not immune.”