Several US military bases in Europe on high alert due to possible terrorist threat

CNN
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Over the weekend, several U.S. military bases across Europe were placed on heightened alert, raising the level of protection for soldiers to the second-highest level amid fears that a terrorist attack could target U.S. military personnel or facilities, two U.S. officials said.

The bases, including the U.S. garrison in Stuttgart, where the U.S. European Command is headquartered, raised their alert level to Force Protection Condition “Charlie” on Sunday, officials said.

This status “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist act or attack against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the US Army.

One of the US officials, based at a base in Europe, told CNN they had not seen this level of threat “in at least 10 years,” adding that this normally means the military is facing an “active, reliable threat.”

Asked about the change, a spokesman for US European Command, Commander Dan Day, declined to comment on specific levels of protection for troops. However, he told CNN that USEUCOM “continually evaluates a range of factors that affect the security of the US military community abroad. As part of this effort, we often take additional steps to ensure the safety of our soldiers. For operational security reasons, we will not discuss specific measures, but we remain vigilant.”

Day added: “USEUCOM is continually monitoring the security situation to ensure its personnel are informed and in the best position to ensure the safety of themselves, their families and their loved ones. As always, USEUCOM advises personnel in the European theater to remain vigilant and alert at all times.”

It is unclear what intelligence prompted the heightened security measures, but European authorities have warned of a potential terrorist threat on the continent, particularly ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris in July and during the European football championships currently being held in Germany.

The German government sent 580 international police officers to provide security alongside German officials.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said before the tournament: “We are preparing for all conceivable dangers: from Islamist terror to violent criminals and hooligans.”

France has also been preparing for the possibility of a potential terrorist threat to the Olympic Games, which begin in less than a month. According to the U.S. Embassy in France, France has raised its national security alert system to the highest level since March.

“The French authorities are actively monitoring terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals,” the embassy said. “Attacks may occur with little or no warning and may target tourist attractions, major sporting and cultural events, and other public areas that attract large numbers of civilians.”