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Terrorism warning on New Zealand war commemorations in Turkey

Xinhua, April 6, 2017 Adjust font size:

The New Zealand government on Thursday warned its nationals that terrorists could target First World War commemorations in Turkey this month.

Hundreds of New Zealanders and Australians flock to Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula each year for services on Anzac (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) Day on April 25.

But Foreign Minister Murray McCully said New Zealand had updated its travel advice for Turkey.

"The advice for New Zealand citizens reflects information received that suggests terrorists may seek to target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula," McCully said in a statement.

"The New Zealand government continues to advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Ankara and Istanbul, and recommends caution in Gallipoli and elsewhere in Turkey, due to the heightened threat of terrorism and potential for civil unrest. Higher risk levels are in place along the border with Syria and in south-east Turkey."

He said he welcomed Turkey's ongoing commitment to providing a high level of security to New Zealanders attending Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli.

This year is the 102nd anniversary of the Dardanelles naval campaign, which prompted the assault on Gallipoli.

The battle for Gallipoli, a small peninsula jutting out from Turkey into the Aegean Sea, with its staggeringly high casualty rate is commonly cited as one of the defining events in New Zealand's identity.

On April 25, 1915, New Zealand and Australian troops under the Anzac banner landed in a bid to drive the Ottoman Empire out of World War One.

About 2,779 New Zealand troops had died by the time the campaign ended in failure nine months later, while the Ottoman Empire lost about 86,692 troops, according to official New Zealand figures.

April 25, or Anzac Day, has become a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand and commemorative services are held around both countries and in Turkey. Endit