US bases on heightened security alert following Soleimani assassination

US military bases are placed on heightened security alert following the assassination of a top Iranian commander.

Iran's top intelligence and security commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed by a US assassination drone ordered by US President Donald Trump.

Iran FM vows proportionate response to US terror act after assassination of General Soleimani

Iran

Following the assassination of Lieutenant General Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Iraq on Jan. 2,  US bases across the world tightened security amid the heated rhetoric between the two sides.

“While we will not discuss specifics, US Northern Command is implementing additional force protection condition measures to increase security and awareness for all installations in the US NORTHCOM area of responsibility,” according to a statement.

MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, began 100-percent identification checks on Saturday, according to a Facebook post. The base houses US Central Command, US Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command Central and Marine Forces Central Command among other base tenants.

The new policy will require checks for all, in addition to standard screening if no one in the car has a common access card.

As of Monday morning, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Meade, Maryland, had all posted to their Facebook accounts advising personnel that waits would be longer than normal.

High alert

US military bases have announced a higher force protection condition from “Alpha" to “Bravo," which indicates “an increased or more predictable threat."

Also on Saturday, the Homeland Security Department issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin lasting until Jan. 18.

“At this time we have no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the Homeland. Iran and its partners, such as Hizballah, have demonstrated the intent and capability to conduct operations in the United States,” it said.

However, past plots have included planning physical attacks on infrastructure, as well as cyber threats.

“Be prepared for cyber disruptions, suspicious emails, and network delays,” according to the bulletin.

Over the weekend, bases across Europe also announced enhanced security measures including 100% ID checks, resulting in traffic advisories via Facebook and Twitter.

“Due to recent world events, expect to see an increase in security measures at [U.S. Army Garrisons] Bavaria at Grafenwoehr, Netzaberg, Vilseck, Hohenfels and Garmisch,” USAG Bavaria posted Saturday. “As a matter of force protection policy, we will not comment on the specific security measures. Though there are no known threats to US personnel or assets, we ask for your cooperation.”

The command further asked soldiers not to release operation details on social media and to remain vigilant on bases.

There are five Force Protection Condition (FPCON) levels -- Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta.

Trump warns US has 52 Iranian targets to hit if Iran launches attacks

Trump posts tweets warning that US would respond to Iranian retaliation for general’s assassination.

Meanwhile, the US is continuing to reinforce its military positions in the Middle East as it anticipates a “major” attack of some sorts by Iran and/or its allies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic will respond proportionately to the United States'.

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