US authorities have warned of an imminent security threat to the American consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul, urging to avoid the area.

“Due to information about an imminent security threat against the US Consulate compound, the US Consulate General Istanbul advises all US citizens to avoid the US Consulate today,” Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) wrote on its website.





OSAC also encouraged American citizens in Turkey “to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.”

The Overseas Security Advisory Council is tasked with promoting security cooperation between American private sector interests worldwide and the US State Department.

Earlier this week, up to six people were injured as a suspected pipe bomb exploded during rush hour near an Istanbul metro station.

READ MORE: Fears bomb behind blast near Istanbul subway

Turkey has been on high alert after over 100 people were killed by two suicide bombers in the capital Ankara in October.