The US diplomatic mission in Ankara, Turkey, confirmed on Sunday that it was suspending all non-immigrant visa services at its facilities following the arrest of a consulate employee.
The Embassy in the Turkish capital tweeted a statement saying that recent events have forced it to "reassess the commitment of the Government of Turkey to the security of U.S. Mission facilities and personnel."
The statement said the suspension, effective immediately, is intended to minimise the number of visitors to the consulate and embassy buildings.
Arrest of US consulate's employee
This week, Turkish authorities arrested a US Consulate employee of Turkish nationality for alleged links to the network of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who the Turkish government blames for last summer's failed coup.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the employee, Metin Topuz, was arrested Wednesday and charged with espionage and attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and Turkey’s government.
The US Embassy said it was "deeply disturbed" by the arrest.
Meanwhile, Gulen continues to deny any involvement.