US servicemen banned from Germany’s G7 zones for fear of attacks
US forces personnel are forbidden from traveling to Germany’s Munich and Garmisch-Patenkirchen, the zones of the upcoming G7 summit, US European Command said, fearing that service people may be attacked by anti-G7 protestors.
Travel restrictions have been issued for US Department of Defense (DOD) personnel in Munich, Germany on June 4 and Garmisch-Partenkirchen from June 7-8. The US European Command said the measures are introduced “due to the size of these [anti-G7] protests and the possibility of violence.”
This year G7 summit will be hosted by Germany on June 7-8 at the Elmau castle near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. Munich is the capital and largest city in Bavaria.
#ICYMI: EUCOM issued a travel advisory for personnel traveling to #Munich & #Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Read more at https://t.co/BORrOHw8mr.
— U.S European Command (@US_EUCOM) June 2, 2015
“Family members, sponsored personnel and contractors are strongly encouraged to avoid these restricted areas,” the instruction says.
US European Command said that those soldiers who are “stationed at or who reside near these locations will be restricted to mission essential travel and tasks only during these dates.”
READ MORE: German business leaders rebuke G7 for ditching Russia
It also said: “At a minimum, all personnel should plan accordingly for these demonstration dates, most likely due to road closures, traffic delays and heightened security measures.”
#ICYMI: EUCOM has issued a travel restriction for #Munich and #Garmish-Partenkirchen. See our note for more information.Posted by U.S. European Command (EUCOM) on mardi 2 juin 2015
The statement comes as anti-G7 and anti-globalization activists announced numerous protests which are expected to draw thousands.
The demonstrations in Munich are expected to gather 10,000 protesters, while organizers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen expect to attract 5,000-10,000 people, according to US European Command estimates.
“Historically, these summits have been protested by anti-globalization activists in large numbers and have turned violent in the past. The Commander of US European Command’s top priority is the safety and security of all assigned personnel,” US European Command said.
Earlier US military advised its soldiers who are already stationed in barracks in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to avoid wearing uniforms "so as to avoid any confrontation" and to avoid any "unnecessary stops" while driving in vehicles.
"Avoid speaking English so loudly that you draw attention to yourselves," the order added.
