US military bases in Europe raise state of alert due to possible terrorist threats
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Multiple military bases in Europe have increased their alert levels to levels not seen in at least a decade due to rising fears of possible terrorist attacks on military personnel or buildings, as reported by two officials.
The military bases increased their alert level to Force Protection Condition "Charlie" - the second highest level of threat alert - on Sunday, according to officials who spoke to CNN.
Charlie is sent out when there is an event or information suggesting that there might be a terrorist attack or threat against people or buildings, as stated by the US Army.
The US Army Garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, is on high alert, along with other bases in Germany like Rheinland-Pfalz and Ramstein Air Base. The US European Command (USEUCOM) is located at the Garrison in Stuttgart. Alerts have been issued to ensure the safety and security of these bases. This information comes from the military publication Stars and Stripes.
Military installations in Italy, Romania, and Bulgaria also received the warning, according to the report.
An official from the United States stationed in Europe told CNN that the decision indicates that the military has been alerted to a significant and credible threat. The official added that they have not seen a threat at this level in at least a decade.
A representative of the US European Command, commander Dan Day, informed the news source that they are always evaluating different factors that affect the security of the US military community overseas.
He stated, "We will not discuss specific tactics for security reasons, but we are staying watchful."
“As usual, USEUCOM recommends that individuals in the European region be watchful and attentive at all times.”
USEUCOM declined to provide more details about the intelligence that led to the increase in the terror threat level.
Following the alert from European officials about a possible terrorist threat before the start of the Paris Olympic Games on July 26, France increased its national security alert to the highest level in March, as reported by the US embassy in France.
"Surprise attacks can occur at any time, focusing on popular tourist spots, big sports and cultural events, and other crowded public places," stated the embassy.
In May, a young man aged 18 from Chechnya in Russia expressed his desire to "die and become a martyr" at the upcoming Olympic Games. He was accused of planning to attack people watching soccer matches at the event.
The German government has also sent 580 international police officers to help with security before the Euro 2024 soccer tournament starts.
"We are getting ready for any possible dangers, from terrorist attacks by Islamist extremists to violent criminals and troublemakers," Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated ahead of the tournament.
