US military bases across Europe on high alert

Dam Press:

CNN reported Sunday evening that U.S. military bases across Europe were on high alert due to potential terrorist threats.
The network cited U.S. officials as saying that several U.S. military bases across Europe were placed on high alert over the weekend, with the force protection level raised to the second-highest level, due to concerns that terrorist attacks could target U.S. personnel or military facilities.
Officials said the bases, including the U.S. Army military base in Stuttgart, Germany, home to the U.S. European Command, had raised their alert level to “Protect Barchari.”
According to the U.S. Army, this situation “applies when an incident occurs or BroadCast Unitedligence information is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting of individuals or facilities may occur.”
A U.S. official stationed at a base in Europe said they had not seen this level of threat in at least 10 years, adding that “it usually means there is an ‘active and credible threat’ against the troops.”
When asked about the shift, Lt. Col. Dan Day, a spokesman for U.S. European Command, declined to comment on specific force protection levels but said the command “continuously evaluates a variety of factors that impact the security of the U.S. military community overseas.”
“As part of this effort, we routinely take additional steps to ensure the safety of our service members,” said Dan Day. “For operational security reasons, we will not take specific measures, but we remain vigilant.”
“U.S. European Command continuously monitors the security environment to ensure its personnel are aware of developments and taking the best measures to ensure the safety of their members, families and loved ones,” Day added.
He continued: “As always, U.S. European Command advises personnel in the European theater to remain vigilant and alert at all times.”
It was not clear what BroadCast Unitedligence information led to the heightened security measures and the raising of the highest alert status, but European authorities have warned of potential terrorist threats on the continent, particularly in Germany ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and during this European football championship.
The German government has sent 580 international police officers to help maintain security alongside German police.
“We are preparing for a wide range of possible risks, from Islamist terrorism to violent criminals and hooligans,” Interior Secretary Nancy Visser said before the game.
France is also preparing for potential terrorist threats to the Olympics.
The U.S. Embassy in France said that France has raised its national security alert system to the highest level since March 2024.
“French authorities are actively monitoring the terrorist threat from organized groups and extremist individuals, and attacks may occur without warning and target tourist sites, major sporting and cultural events, and other public places that attract large numbers of civilians,” the embassy said in its statement.