The Defense Department on Sept. 2 halted DOD-funded travel for dependents to Adana, Turkey, along with the Pentagon’s announcement that dependents and American staff at the base and the US Consulate are authorized to leave that country. The Air Force said Sept. 4 that military and civilians with approved dependent travel who had not yet left their current duty stations must contact their local personnel sections for guidance. The Air Force also activated its personnel accountability and assessment system to monitor the recovery process for personnel. The decision to authorize the leave was made “out of an abundance of caution,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said Sept. 3.
Multiple MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft have been shot down by Iran during Operation Epic Fury, as the drones have assumed a pivotal role in the air campaign, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.