Terrorist threat puts US military bases in Europe on high alert
Terrorist threat puts US military bases in Europe on high alert
Several US military bases across Europe have elevated their security alert level to force protection condition (FPCON) "Charlie" over the weekend, according to two US officials. This heightened state of alert, the second highest in the US Army's system, "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 ABC News.
US European Command told CNN that USEUCOM is "constantly assessing a variety of factors" related to security and safety. While declining to provide specific details for operational security reasons, EUCOM assured that they "remain vigilant."
One US official stationed at a base in Europe noted that this threat level hasn't been seen "in at least 10 years" and typically indicates the presence of an "active-reliable threat."
Cdr. Dan Day, a spokesperson for US European Command, emphasised that USEUCOM is continuously monitoring the security environment to ensure the safety of its personnel and their families, advising them to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
The specific intelligence that triggered the heightened security remains unclear. However, European authorities have cautioned about potential terror threats on the continent, particularly in light of the upcoming Paris Olympics in July and the ongoing European football championships in Germany.
The German government has deployed 580 international police officers to support German officers in maintaining security during the tournament. Interior minister Nancy Faeser said, "We are preparing ourselves for all conceivable dangers: from Islamist terror to violent criminals and hooligans."
Similarly, France has elevated its national security alert system to the highest level since March in preparation for the Olympic Games. The US embassy in France noted that "French authorities actively monitor terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals," warning that "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."
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