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Paris, France Travel ban for U.S. Military
The U.S. Defense Department has banned U.S. troops and employees
from traveling in their free time within 50 kilometers of Paris, following the
terrorist attacks in the French capital on Friday night.
The ban was put in place late Sunday by U.S. European Command.
It applies to all military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and
family members who are sponsored by a specific military command.
Anyone who wants to travel to the area on official business or for
emergency reasons must obtain approval from a general officer or
other senior official in their chain of command.
“This is a precautionary measure to keep our personnel and families safe
in light of the recent attacks,” a European Command announcement said.
“This is also an effort to help minimize tourist traffic at the borders in
France, and in particularly, in Paris as the French authorities continue
their investigation.”
Exceptions are granted for U.S. military assigned to diplomatic posts in
France, such as the U.S. Marines who guard the embassy in Paris.
Individual who have commercial airline connections in France and
who are not leaving the airport also are exempt.
Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, referred questions about
the travel ban to European Command on Monday. He said it will be in
effect until further notice.