STUTTGART — As a precautionary measure to keep personnel and families safe in light of the today’s attacks, U.S. European Command has implemented travel restrictions to Brussels, Belgium.
Unofficial travel to Brussels — leave, liberty and special pass — is prohibited until further notice. Those on official travel or emergency leave to Brussels will also require the approval of the first general or flag officer or Senior Executive Service equivalent in the traveler’s or sponsor’s chain of command.
This Eucom policy applies to military personnel, Defense Department civilian employees, contractors and command-sponsored dependents and family members. These restrictions do not apply to military personnel assigned to diplomatic posts in Belgium.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to our military family, the people of Brussels and all those impacted by these horrific terror attacks,” Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, Eucom commander, said in a statement.
“We will assist Belgium in any way our military can. We strongly condemn these attacks and will continue to stand by our NATO allies and partners to defeat these terrorists who threaten our freedoms and our way of life.”
Officials Seek Full Accountability of Personnel
To confirm the safety of all U.S. military personnel and families, including those on pre-approved leaves and other official travel, Eucom officials said they continue to seek 100 percent accountability from all subordinate commands and units.
Eucom continually assesses threats to U.S. forces with and alongside its host-nation counterparts, officials said, and is firmly committed to making every possible effort to ensure the safety and security of service members, civilians and their families.
Consistent with the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, due to the heightened threat environment, Eucom officials are urging U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and aware of the local security situation, to follow local authority instructions, and to monitor local media for further developments.
