Several U.S. Bases in Europe on High Alert Due to Terrorism Threat Concerns

U.S. news sources reported that American military bases across Europe, including Germany, have been placed on high alert due to concerns over a potential terrorist attack early this week. CNN reported on Sunday, July 1, citing two unnamed U.S. officials, that the Pentagon raised the alert level at American bases in Europe to a security level two. This security level, known as 'Mandatory Protection Conditions' or 'Charlie,' is applied 'when an incident is expected to occur or information is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting of personnel or facilities is likely.' An American official stationed at a base in Europe told CNN that 'it has been at least ten years' since they have seen this level of threat, adding that this usually means the military has received a 'credible active threat.' Fox News also quoted a Pentagon official stating that there is credible information indicating attempts to attack U.S. bases this week. The U.S. Department of Defense has not officially responded to this matter. The American official told Fox News that this issue is unrelated to the French parliamentary elections. The U.S. European Command (EUCOM), based in Stuttgart, Germany, declined to comment on specific protective measures for its armed forces in response to CNN's inquiry. However, a spokesperson for EUCOM stated that they regularly monitor 'certain factors that affect the security of the U.S. military community abroad.' This spokesperson added that as part of this effort, they often take additional measures to ensure the safety of their forces. According to CNN, it is unclear what information led to the increase in the security alert level, but European officials had previously warned of a potential terrorist threat on the continent, especially ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and during the ongoing UEFA European Championship in Germany. Nancy Faeser, Germany's Interior Minister, had previously stated that 'we are preparing for all conceivable dangers: from Islamist attacks to violence from criminals and hooligans.' France has also stated that it is prepared to counter the risk of potential terrorist attacks during the Olympics, which begin in less than a month. According to the U.S. Embassy in France, Paris has raised its national security alert to the highest level since March.