The United States on Thursday offered to help relatives of American military and diplomatic personnel leave Turkey, a cautionary move following the start of military operations there directed against the Islamic State terrorist group.
U.S. officials said the move would affect about 900 family members of personnel stationed at Incirlik Air Base, as well as relatives of U.S. consulate workers in the nearby city of Adana.
The decision came as Turkey has taken a bigger role in the fight against Islamic State militants, joining the airstrike campaign and allowing expanded use of the Incirlik base by the U.S. for fighter jet and drone missions.
The State Department also issued a travel warning for Turkey, advising U.S. citizens to “be alert for the potential for violence.” The warning noted terrorist attacks on U.S. interests in Turkey as well as tourist sites, and it urged visitors to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.