US military bases in Europe face highest threat level due to terrorism threat
A badge with flag of USA is placed on the sleeve of an U.S. soldier of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the US Army as he arrived with others at Czech army barracks on May 27, 2016 in Prague, Czech Republic (AFP Photo)
U.S. military bases across Europe have been raised to a heightened alert level in response to credible threats of terrorist attacks, the U.S. Defense Department (Pentagon) confirmed Monday. This includes the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany.
In a written statement, the Pentagon emphasized that the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) continually assesses various factors affecting the security of American military communities abroad.
‘Stay vigilant’
USEUCOM spokesperson Commander Dan Day confirmed that USEUCOM continuously assesses various factors affecting the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families by continuously monitoring the security environment.
USEUCOM advises personnel in Europe to remain vigilant and alert at all times, including reporting suspicious activities, monitoring travel advisories from the State Department, and implementing cautious personal risk mitigation measures.
For operational security reasons, we will not disclose specific measures, but we will remain cautious
Pentagon
Highest threat level in decade
U.S. military bases in Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, and Germany have raised their alert status to “Force Protection Condition (FPCON) ‘Charlie’,” marking the highest threat level in the past decade.
The bases include the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, where the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is headquartered.
Germany, France takes action
The exact intelligence that triggered the increased security measures remains unclear. However, European authorities have recently heightened security due to potential terrorist threats, particularly in anticipation of the Paris Olympics in July and amid the ongoing European football championships in Germany.
In response to the threat, the German government has deployed 580 international police officers to support local security efforts.
France has also heightened its national security alert system to its highest level since March, in preparation for the Olympic Games.
