US Withdraws All DoD, State Dept. Dependents from Turkey
(Source: U.S. European Command; issued March 29, 2016STUTTGART, Germany --- The secretary of defense, in coordination with the secretary of state, has authorized the ordered departure of all Defense Department dependents not assigned to chief of mission authority from Adana (to include Incirlik Air Base), Ismir and Mugla, Turkey.
This decision allows for the deliberate, safe return of family members from these areas due to continued security concerns in the region.
This step does not signify a permanent decision to end accompanied tours at these facilities. It is intended to mitigate the risk to DOD elements and personnel, including family members, while ensuring the combat effectiveness of U.S. forces and mission support to operations in Turkey. The United States and Turkey are united in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and Incirlik AB continues to play a key role in counter-ISIL operations.
“The decision to move our families and civilians was made in consultation with the government of Turkey, our State Department, and our secretary of defense,” said Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, the commander of U.S. European Command. “We understand this is disruptive to our military families, but we must keep them safe and ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces to support our strong ally Turkey in the fight against terrorism.”
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This decision allows for the deliberate, safe return of family members from these areas due to continued security concerns in the region.
This step does not signify a permanent decision to end accompanied tours at these facilities. It is intended to mitigate the risk to DOD elements and personnel, including family members, while ensuring the combat effectiveness of U.S. forces and mission support to operations in Turkey. The United States and Turkey are united in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and Incirlik AB continues to play a key role in counter-ISIL operations.
“The decision to move our families and civilians was made in consultation with the government of Turkey, our State Department, and our secretary of defense,” said Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, the commander of U.S. European Command. “We understand this is disruptive to our military families, but we must keep them safe and ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces to support our strong ally Turkey in the fight against terrorism.”
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