The U.S. military is extending travel bans on personnel and their family members for Paris, Brussels and the entirety of Turkey, officials announced Tuesday.
"If you are a Department of Defense military member, civilian employee, contractor, or dependent or family member, you cannot travel to Paris, Brussels, or Turkey at this time," according to a statement posted to the website of U.S. European Command. "Unofficial and official travel require general officer approval."
The Paris ban impacts unofficial travel within a radius of about 50 kilometers, or 30 miles, of the city, the notice stated. The Brussels restriction affects anyone stationed outside of Belgium, while personnel already in Brussels should continue to "shelter in place and remain at home," it stated.
For Turkey, officials continued a ban previously announced Nov. 10. At that time, personnel were told to avoid crowded public gatherings.
"Personnel in Turkey should avoid public protests, demonstrations, rallies or other large gatherings to the greatest extent possible," the notice stated. "They should remain alert to suspicious behavior and be aware of their surroundings at all times."
Officials declined to place a timeline on the restrictions.
"While we are not going to discuss specific time frames relating to force protection measures, enhancements, or threats, we encourage all personnel to consult their chain of command regarding future leave, liberty or travel plans," the notice stated.
-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com
![Members of Bashar Assad's army line up to register with Syrian rebels in Damascus, Syria.](http://images04.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2024-12/ApNewsroom_Syria_93981.jpg?itok=KtmjProB "Members of Bashar Assad's army, or a pro-government militia, line up to register with Syrian rebels as part of an "identification and reconciliation process" in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)")
