The US military has increased the alert level at multiple bases across Europe to its second-highest level, raising concerns about potential terrorist threats. According to ABC News and CNN, citing unnamed officials, the bases have been placed under the “Charlie” alert level. This level is implemented when there is “an incident or intelligence indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the US Army website. The highest level, “Delta,” is reserved for situations where a terrorist attack has occurred or is “imminent.”
While the US European Command (USEUCOM) has not confirmed the status change, they have stated that they “remain vigilant.” The Pentagon has also released a statement, explaining that “due to a combination of factors potentially impacting the safety and security of US service members and their families stationed in the European theater, US European Command is redoubling its efforts to stress vigilance during the summer months.”
The US State Department currently advises American citizens in Germany, where the USEUCOM is headquartered, to exercise increased caution due to terrorism. This heightened alert comes in the wake of several recent events that have raised security concerns across Europe. In March, gunmen killed nearly 150 people outside Moscow in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. France has also increased its state of alert ahead of the Paris Olympics, while Germany is currently hosting an international football tournament. These events have prompted European nations to increase their security measures in response to the perceived threat of terrorism.
