Pentagon working to resume ISIS efforts in Turkey after coup attempt

by TheHill.com - 07/16/16 1:42 PM ET

An attempted coup in Turkey interrupted operations at a U.S. joint air base there, but the Pentagon said Saturday it is working to “minimize the effects” on the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

{mosads}”The Turkish government has closed its airspace to military aircraft, and as a result air operations at Incirlik Air Base have been halted at this time. U.S. officials are working with the Turks to resume air operations there as soon as possible. In the meantime, U.S. Central Command is adjusting flight operations in the counter-ISIL campaign to minimize any effects on the campaign,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said in a statement.

All the Defense personnel in Turkey are safe and accounted for, and the Department of Defense said it is doing everything possible to further ensure their security.

“We continue our efforts to fully account for all Department of Defense personnel in Turkey. All indications at this time are that everyone is safe and secure. We will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our service members, our civilians, their families and our facilities,” Cook said.

A statement from the White House on Saturday said President Obama has been briefed by his foreign policy team and reiterated his support for the democratically elected government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“The President’s advisors apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the President reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for the democratically-elected, civilian Government of Turkey. The President instructed his team to continue to work with their Turkish counterparts to maintain the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel, U.S. servicemembers, and their dependents,” the statement said.

The president further acknowledged the “shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism.”

The Pentagon said Friday that the attempted coup had no impact on the major joint base, Incirlik Air Base, in southern Turkey.

The base, which has over 1,500 U.S. troops and personnel, upgraded its level of protection to “Delta” but remained untouched by the revolt.

The coup in Turkey started while President Erdogan was not in the country, with a faction of the military taking over several cities and declaring a state of martial law.

However, the attempt failed as thousands of civilians came out in protest of the coup.

Latests reports estimate over 250 casualties, with the death toll expected to rise.

At least 2,800 military personnel have been apprehended and arrested.