Aussies heading to Gallipoli for Anzac Day say ‘f*** the terrorists!’ after fresh safety warnings

DFAT warnings that terrorists could target Anzac Day services at Gallipoli this year will not stop Aussies flocking to the peninsula, tour operators say.

TOUR operators are defiantly pushing ahead with Anzac Day tours to Gallipoli despite official warnings terrorists may seek to target commemorative services.

Battlefield Tours, the Fanatics, Fez Tours and On the Go will take Australians to Anzac Cove on April 25 for the dawn service but operators admit numbers are well down on previous years.

General Manager of the Fanatics in Australia, David McClatchey, said the attitude of some of their guests was “eff the terrorists”.

“In terms of the security side of it there is that risk but we’re still going and we’ve told guests that we understand if they don’t want to come and we will make arrangements for a refund,” Mr McClatchey said.

“Understandably numbers are down. I can’t imagine they’ll get more than a couple of thousand people there which will be the smallest crowd in over 15-years.”

Tour operators expect a much smaller gathering at Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli this year due to warnings of the risk of terrorist attacks. Picture: Gokhan Tan/Getty Images

The latest advice issued by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned there was information suggesting “terrorists may seek to target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula”.

“Turkish authorities are aware of this information and traditionally provide a high level of protective security around Anzac Day commemorations on the peninsula,” said the advisory, last updated on April 6, 2017.

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G20 type security measures will be in place this year — preventing people attending commemorative services from taking in folding chairs, umbrellas, water bottles, flags and large backpacks.

Flags and large backpacks will be banned from this year’s Anzac Day events on the Gallipoli Peninsula Picture: Burak Kara/Getty Images

Australian National University counter-terrorism expert Professor Clive Williams said Australia’s involvement in the coalition against Islamic State increased the risk of terrorist attacks on events such as Anzac Day.

“If there was an attack on Gallipoli, it would be IS-inspired and supported,” said Prof Williams.

“Their concern is we’re part of the US-led coalition which is causing them a lot of grief at the moment.”

Rachna Pandit from On the Go tours said some guests had expressed concern about safety but no-one had pulled out.

“We are taking about 50 people which is not as many as we normally would but that’s understandable in the circumstances,” said Ms Pandit.

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Mat McLachlan of Battlefield Tours said they were in regular contact with guests because it was “a fluid situation”.

Most operators will limit their time in Istanbul where terrorist attacks have killed close to 100 people since last June.

Mr McClatchey said terrorism was taking a tragic toll on Turkey.

“People are putting a red line through the country not dissimilar to Egypt which has also become a bit of a no-go zone,” he said.

“We will be flying into Istanbul and then venturing down to Gallipoli by coach. Once you get to the venue itself it’s probably the safest place in Turkey.”