The US Embassy in Turkey has issued a travel warning to Americans in Turkey, following a series of air strikes against ISIS extremists in Syria. “US citizens are reminded that there have been violent attacks in Turkey in the past, and the possibility of terrorist attacks against US citizens and interests, from both transnational and indigenous groups, remains high,” states the alert, issued Sept. 24. “While there is no … specific … information of threats, US citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.” Craig Wills, 39th Air Base Wing commander at Incirlik AB, Turkey, said officials are “constantly assessing the threat environment and adjusting our posture as required,” reported Stars and Stripes. “We have shared this security message directly with our population and our leadership is working diligently to ensure our personnel have the latest information available to them,” he told the paper. France issued a similar warning, raising its national threat level to 30 for embassies in the Middle East and Africa.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.