Incirlik Air Base Will Not Reopen Until Turkish Air Force is Fully Cleared

Turkish military officials closed the Incirlik airbase on Saturday, which the U.S. and its allies use for airstrikes against ISIS, stating that the base will not reopen until the Turkish Air Force is fully cleared. On Saturday afternoon, news agencies reported the Turkish Foreign Minister saying that Incirlik will reopen once the anti-coup operations at the airbase are completed. Earlier, CNN reported that Turkish officials informed the United States that the airspace would remain closed until it is ensured that all elements of the Turkish Air Force are under the control of pro-government forces. CNN quoted a U.S. Department of Defense official stating that the closure of this base would halt U.S. airstrikes in the region. CNN also noted that only a few fighter jets that were on missions at the time of the base's closure were allowed to return and land at the base. A U.S. Department of Defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that it is unclear how long the closure of the Incirlik airbase will last. Previously, the U.S. consulate in Adana reported that power to the airbase had been cut off, and local officials were preventing access to and from the base. The U.S. consulate in Adana also warned American citizens to avoid presence or movement in the area. CNN stated that Incirlik is home to part of the Turkish Air Force as well as the U.S. Air Force in the region, and according to information on the base's website, there are 1,500 American personnel stationed there. Regarding Turkey's decision to close the Incirlik base, Reuters quoted a U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson saying that U.S. officials are in discussions with Turkish officials to reopen the base as soon as possible. Peter Cook stated that until Incirlik reopens, "the U.S. Central Command will organize the fight against ISIS in a way that minimizes the effects of the base's closure."