US military raises alert level for European bases

This photo taken on June 26, 2024 shows the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower in Paris on June 26, 2024. Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military has raised the alert level for several bases in Europe to the second highest level, several American media reported on Sunday.

The “Charlie” alert level has been raised at US bases across Europe, ABC News and CNN reported, citing anonymous sources.

This level is ordered when “an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist act or attack against personnel or facilities is likely,” the U.S. Army website states.

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The highest level, “Delta,” is used when a terrorist attack has occurred or is “imminent.”

The US European Command (USEUCOM) did not confirm the status change when asked by AFP, but said: “We remain vigilant.”

Meanwhile, the Pentagon said: “Due to a combination of factors that potentially affect the safety of U.S. service members and their families stationed in the European theater, U.S. European Command is doubling its efforts to demonstrate extra vigilance during the summer months.”

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The US State Department is currently advising American citizens in Germany, where USEUCOM is based, to be extra cautious about terrorism.

Although no specific threat was mentioned, European countries have been on high alert since gunmen killed almost 150 people in an attack outside Moscow in March. The terrorist group “Islamic State” (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

France has also increased its state of alert ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, while an international football tournament is currently taking place in Germany.