Terror attack threat puts US military bases in Europe alert

Alleged threat of terror attacks prompted all American military bases in Europe to be put on high alert. According to the media reports, there were credible intel pointing to an attack on the US military bases in Europe.

“There is credible intel pointing to an attack against US bases in Europe over the next week or so,” media reports citing Pentagon said.

According to the source, different installations, including the army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, which hosts the US European Command, have increased their threat posture to Force Protection ‘Charlie.’ This level applies“when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely.”

A threat level of this kind has not been activated “in at least ten years,” a US official stationed at one of the bases was quoted as having said to a media outlet. The US Army operates a system called Force Protection Condition (FPCON), designed “to counter terrorists or other hostile adversaries." Its threat levels are designated as Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta, with Charlie and Delta being the highest states of alert.

A spokesperson for US European Command Commander Dan Day declined to comment on the exact nature of the threat, saying that the Pentagon is “constantly assessing a variety of factors that play into the safety of the US military community abroad” and takes extra steps to ensure the safety of service members.

“USEUCOM constantly monitors the security environment to ensure its personnel are informed and best postured to assure the safety of their individual person, family, and loved ones. As always, USEUCOM advises personnel in the European theater to remain vigilant and stay alert at all times,” he added.