The Pentagon says the USA military has temporarily suspended air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and Iraq that are flown from the Incirlik Air Base in southeastern Turkey.
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The air space will be closed until Turkish authorities gain full control over the situation in the region following the coup attempt, Turkish officials told the U.S., adding that they want to make sure that all elements of the Turkish air force are under the control of pro-government forces, as some warplanes and helicopters were used by rebels overnight.
Meanwhile, U.S. military command in Europe ordered U.S. forces across Turkey to take maximum protective measures.
In the meantime, the US Central Command is adjusting flight operations in the counter-ISIS campaign to minimise any effects on the campaign, Cook said.
The statement contrasted with the initial reports from defense officials Friday night as the coup was underway.
Also on Saturday, the US State Department warned American citizens against taking part in a pro-Erdogan demonstration in the city of Adana later in the day, amid fears of violence.
Incirlik is a key base for air operations against Islamic State.
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North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ally Turkey was rocked Friday by clashes between the coup militants and forces loyal to the government of President Recep Tayyin Erdogan that left at least 265 dead and 1,440 wounded, according to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. The Turkish government declared the attempted military coup over Saturday morning. “I categorically deny such accusations”.
