Relentless vigilance: US military bases in Europe on high alert
Over the weekend, the readiness level at several American military bases in Europe was elevated to the second-highest status due to concerns over a potential terrorist threat to U.S. personnel or military facilities, according to a report by CNN.
Data from American officials, referenced by the media, indicates that the alert level at U.S. military bases, including those in Stuttgart, Germany, where the United States European Command (USEUCOM) is headquartered, was raised to a category labelled "Charlie" on Sunday.
Risk of attack
The army explains that such measures are taken "applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely."
CNN, citing its sources, reported that a threat level of this magnitude has not been recorded "in at least 10 years". This signifies that the military has obtained information about an "active-reliable threat".
USEUCOM spokesman Dan Day did not provide details regarding specific protection levels. In a conversation with CNN, he emphasized that various factors affecting the safety of American military personnel abroad are continuously assessed, and additional precautions are taken as necessary.
Maintaining increased vigilance
"It is not clear what intelligence triggered the heightened security, but European authorities have warned of a potential terror threat on the continent, especially ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and during the current European football championships in Germany", CNN reports.
Highlighting factors that may affect the safety of American soldiers and their families stationed in Europe during the summer months, the Pentagon acknowledged that USEUCOM is doubling its efforts to increase vigilance. Meanwhile, the State Department recommends that U.S. citizens in Germany remain extra cautious due to the terrorist threat.
