Over the weekend, several US military bases in Europe, including the one in Stuttgart, Germany, raised their alert levels to the second-highest state due to a serious and reliable terrorist threat. This heightened security, which hasn’t been seen in a decade, prompted closures of various services and activities, urging personnel and their families to stay vigilant. The increased threat comes amid broader warnings of potential terror attacks in Europe, especially with major events like the Paris Olympics and European football championships on the horizon.
As reported by CNN, several US military stations in Europe were placed on high alert over the weekend, with force protection elevated to the second-highest level amid concerns that a terrorist assault could target US military personnel or facilities, according to two US officials.
The locations, including the US Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, where US European Command is headquartered, increased their alert level to Force Protection Condition “Charlie” on Sunday, according to officials. The garrison indicated that certain services would be stopped or reduced, and youth programs had canceled off-post field trips. Other locations in Germany, such as Ramstein Air Base, advised servicemen to “remain vigilant” on social media.
This class “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the army’s website.
One of the US officials stationed at a facility in Europe told CNN that they haven’t seen this danger level “in at least 10 years,” and that it normally indicates an “active-reliable threat.”
There were indications of a threat as early as Friday, with EUCOM public messaging points at the time stating that efforts to increase vigilance were being increased “due to a combination of factors impacting the safety and security of US service members and their families stationed in the European theater,” according to a defense official.
“Malign actors have increased the threat of attacks against various non-military targets in Europe,” the messaging points said, adding that EUCOM “takes operational security seriously, and reminds its employees to remain vigilant against attempts to collect on US activities, be extra mindful of conversations in public, and maintain a low profile so as not to be identified as a mark.”
When asked about the shift, Cdr. Dan Day, a spokesperson for US European Command, declined to comment on precise force protection levels. However, he told CNN that USEUCOM is “constantly assessing a variety of factors that contribute to the safety of the US military community abroad.” As part of that endeavor, we frequently take additional precautions to guarantee the safety of our service personnel. For operational security considerations, we will not discuss particular actions, but we will remain watchful.
When asked about the shift, Cdr. Dan Day, a spokesperson for US European Command, declined to comment on precise force protection levels. However, he told CNN that USEUCOM is “constantly assessing a variety of factors that contribute to the safety of the US military community abroad.” As part of that endeavor, we frequently take additional precautions to guarantee the safety of our service personnel. For operational security considerations, we will not discuss particular actions, but we will remain watchful.
Day added that “USEUCOM constantly monitors the security environment to ensure its personnel are informed and best postured to assure the safety of their person, family, and loved ones. As always, USEUCOM advises personnel in the European theater to remain vigilant and alert at all
It is unclear what evidence prompted the increased security, but European authorities have warned of a possible terror danger on the continent, particularly ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and the current European football championships in Germany.
The German government dispatched 580 international police officers to assist with security alongside German officials.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated ahead of the event, “We are preparing ourselves for all conceivable dangers: from Islamist terror to violent criminals and hooligans.”
France has also prepared for the risk of a terrorist attack during the Olympic Games, which begin in just under a month. According to the US embassy in Paris, France has increased its national security alert system to the highest level since March.
“French authorities actively monitor terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals,” according to the diplomat.”Attacks may happen with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, major sporting and cultural events, and other public areas that attract large numbers of civilians.”
Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) warned that the likelihood of a terrorist attack on American soil is at its “highest level,” amid reports of ISIS operatives being arrested in major U.S. cities.
