Russia warns citizens not to travel to Turkey

Calling Turkey as dangerous to its citizens as Egypt, Russia warned tourists on Tuesday against traveling to Turkey. According to some reports, the State Duma is considering suspending all commercial flights between the two countries.

Turkish F-16s shot down a Russian fighter jet that was allegedly flying over Turkish territory near the Syrian border on Tuesday. In October, a Russian passenger jet was brought down over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula following an onboard explosion; ISIS has claimed responsibility.

"We do not recommend our citizens visit Turkey in light of the growing terrorist threat in this country," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Lavrov himself canceled a trip to Turkey, which he was scheduled to make on Wednesday. The BBC reports that at least one major Russian travel agency has halted holiday travel packages to Turkey, citing concern for the "safety of Russian citizens."

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As many as 10,000 Russian tourists are believed to be in Turkey at this time. The country is a popular destination for Russians, who are second only to Germans in the number of visits they make to the country each year.