(Reuters) The U.S. military said on Tuesday it has ordered the families of its personnel to leave parts of southern Turkey over “continued security concerns in the region.”

Families of personnel stationed in Adana – including at Incirlik air base, used heavily in the fight against Islamic State militants – Izmir, and Mugla have been ordered to leave, the statement from U.S. European Command said. The decision was authorized by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

“We understand this is disruptive to our military families, but we must keep them safe and ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces to support our strong ally Turkey in the fight against terrorism,” General Philip M. Breedlove, commander of U.S. European Command, said in the statement.