The US is looking to permanently ban families from accompanying US military and civilian personnel in duty stations in Turkey, citing worsening security issues.
The Obama Administration had previously ordered the departure of families from Incirlik air base due to the threat from ISIS, which had affected around 670 dependents, though 100 were allowed to stay in Istanbul and Ankara.
According to Reuters sources within the US Department of Defense, military officials plan to designate tours in Turkey as “unaccompanied” tours, a move under consideration even before Tuesday’s suicide bomb attacks at the Istanbul airport, which resulted in 41 killed and 239 wounded.
“The change reflects the continued deterioration of security conditions throughout Turkey,” said one of the sources, who was not authorized to speak publicly.
The 100 dependents still in Turkey would be allowed to stay after the new rules take effect and would depart through natural duty cycles, according to one of the sources.
The US State Department warned US Citizens Tuesday of increased threats by militant groups throughout Turkey, urging them to avoid the southeastern part of the country.
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