US military bases in Europe put on high alert amid possible terrorist threat
Several US military bases across Europe have been put on a heightened state of alert, amid concerns of a possible “terrorist” threat.
According to two US officials, the level of force protection was raised to its second-highest state, "Charlie", on Sunday.
That status “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the US Army.
The bases include the US Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, where United States European Command (USEUCOM) is headquartered.
CNN quoted one of the US officials, who is stationed at a base in Europe, as saying they haven’t seen this threat level “in at least 10 years,” adding that it usually means the military has received an “active-reliable threat.”
A spokesperson for USEUCOM the command is “constantly assessing a variety of factors that play into the safety of US military community abroad. As part of that effort, we often times take additional steps to ensure the safety of our service members.”
“For operational security reasons we will not get into specific measures, but we remain vigilant,” Cdr. Dan Day added.
The intelligence that triggered the heightened state of alert is not known, but that state comes as European sporting tournaments are threatened by terrorist threats.
Germany beefed up its defenses ahead of the underway European football championships, bringing in 580 international police officers to assist with security alongside German officers.
Ahead of the tournament, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the focus is “above all” on the threat of terrorism after the Daesh terrorist group called for attacks at the month-long football tournament.
The Paris Olympics, the other European sporting tournament this summer, is also facing a terrorist threat.
Last month, The National cited a counter-terrorism expert as saying that Daesh terrorists have published "detailed" manuals for adapting drones to attack the games.
The US embassy in France said the European country has raised its national security alert system to the highest level since March.
“French authorities actively monitor terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals,” the embassy said, adding, “Attacks may happen with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, major sporting and cultural events, and other public areas that attract large numbers of civilians.”
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