Multiple US military installations across Europe including; Germany, Italy, Romania, and Bulgaria, have heightened their state of readiness amid concerns of a potential terror attack targeting US military personnel and facilities. Over the weekend, several bases, including the US Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany—home to US European Command—raised their Force Protection Condition to "Charlie," the second-highest alert level.
According to US officials, this alert status is activated when there is credible intelligence or an incident indicating a likely terrorist action against personnel or facilities. Services at the affected bases have been adjusted, with closures and restrictions announced, including the cancellation of off-post field trips by youth centres. Additionally, facilities like Ramstein Air Base in Germany have issued advisories urging service members to maintain heightened vigilance.
The decision to increase readiness comes in response to indications of heightened threats, with public communications stressing increased vigilance due to various factors affecting the safety of US military personnel and their families stationed in Europe. European Command (EUCOM) emphasized the need for enhanced operational security and reminded personnel to be cautious about their activities and public conversations.
A US official stationed in Europe noted that this level of threat readiness hasn't been observed in over a decade and typically indicates credible and active threats have been identified.
Specific details on the intelligence triggering this heightened security posture have not been disclosed, but it coincides with broader alerts across Europe, particularly ahead of major events like the Paris Olympics and ongoing European football championships.
European authorities have been proactive in response, augmenting security measures with international police support, anticipating potential risks ranging from Islamist terrorism to other forms of criminal activity. The French government, in preparation for the upcoming Olympics, has elevated its national security alert system to its highest level since March, underscoring ongoing monitoring and readiness against potential terrorist threats.
In summary, while specific threats remain undisclosed for operational security reasons, US European Command continues to monitor and adjust security measures to ensure the safety of military personnel and their families, emphasizing vigilance and preparedness across its European operations.