Alarms of terrorist attacks, some US military bases in Europe increase alert status

Several American military bases across Europe were put in a state of increased readiness over the weekend, amid concerns that a terrorist attack could target American military personnel or objects, according to two American officials, CNN reports.

The bases, including the American Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, where the US European Command headquarters, set up their readiness level in the “Charlie” defence conditions on Sunday, officials said.

This status “is implemented when an incident or intelligence information is obtained showing a form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or objects”, according to the US Army.

One of the American officials, who is based on a base in Europe, told CNN that they have not seen this level of threat “at least 10 years” and said the army usually means that it has received a reliable “threats enabled”.

Asked about the change, a spokesman for the US European Command, Cdr. Dan Day, refused to comment on specific levels of force protection. But, he told CNN that USEUCOM “is constantly assessing a series of factors playing in the security of the American military community abroad. As part of this effort, we often take additional steps to ensure the safety of our service members. For operational security reasons, we will not take specific measures but remain vigilant. ”

Day added that “U n SECOM constantly monitors the security environment to ensure that its personnel are informed and well placed to ensure the safety of the individual, family and loved ones. As always, USEUCOM advises personnel at the European Theatre to stay alert and remain vigilant at all times. ”

It is not clear what intelligence caused increased security, but European authorities have warned of a possible terrorist threat on the continent, especially before the Paris Olympics in July and during the current European football championship in Germany.

The German government brought 580 international police officers to help with security along with German officers.

Interior Minister Nancy Fyser said ahead of the tournament: “We are preparing for all possible risks: from Islamic terror to violent criminals and hooligan”.

France has also been preparing for the possibility of a potential terrorist threat to the Olympic Games, which begin in less than a month. Since March, France has set up its national security alert system at the highest level, according to the American Embassy in France.

French “Authorities actively monitor terrorist threats from organised groups and radicalised individuals”, the embassy said. “The attacks can occur with little or no warning, targeting tourist sites, major sports and cultural events, and other public areas that attract large numbers of civilians. ”/CNN