U.S. European Command on Wednesday lifted travel restrictions to Paris, the day before a long Thanksgiving holiday weekend for military personnel.

However, a ban on travel to Brussels, Belgium, remains in effect through 7 p.m. Saturday.

EUCOM had restricted leave and liberty travel to the two capital cities in the wake of the Nov. 13 terror attacks in Paris. No Defense Department personnel were killed or hurt in the Nov. 13 attack, which killed at least 132 people at multiple sites across the city.

Under the restriction, Defense Department servicemembers, civilians, contractors and their command-sponsored family members were prohibited from unofficial travel to Paris. Unofficial and emergency travel elsewhere in France required the permission of a general officer while the restrictions were in place.

Even though it’s now OK to visit Paris, personnel are reminded to “be vigilant and practice prudent protective measures when traveling and participating in holiday activities,” U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz said in an email advisory alerting personnel that EUCOM has rescinded the travel restriction.

Security at U.S. military bases across Europe has been at a heightened state since the U.S. began airstrikes against the Islamic State group in August 2014. Installation security officials frequently adjust their preparations to current and nearby events, although they rarely share security changes publicly.

Travel restrictions to Brussels were issued Saturday after Belgium raised its threat level to 4, the highest possible, warning of a “serious and imminent” threat of a Paris-style terrorist attack.

news@stripes.com

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