The United States has ordered military families to leave parts of Turkey to ensure their safety.

The Pentagon and State Department said they decided dependents not assigned to Chief of Mission authority should leave Incirlik Air Base, Ismir, and Mugla due to continued security concerns in the region. The action affects 670 people, a defense official told VOA.

The action is not a permanent decision to end accompanied tours at the facilities, the Department of Defense and the State Department said in a joint statement.

The decision is intended to reduce the risk to DOD elements and personnel, including family members, while preserving the combat effectiveness of U.S. forces and their mission support to operations in Turkey.

Incirlik will continue to play a key role in U.S.-Turkey operations against Islamic State, the statement said.

VOA’s Carla Babb contributed to this report.

 
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