Over the weekend, several US military bases in Europe, including the US Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, heightened their alert level to Force Protection Condition “Charlie” due to concerns of a potential terrorist attack targeting US military personnel or facilities.
This status, the second-highest level of force protection, indicates that an incident or intelligence has suggested a likely terrorist action. A US official stationed in Europe remarked, “We haven’t seen this threat level in at least 10 years,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Cdr. Dan Day, a spokesperson for US European Command (USEUCOM), stated that while they continually assess various safety factors, specific details of the force protection measures would not be disclosed due to operational security. He emphasized, “We remain vigilant,” and advised personnel to stay alert.
The heightened security comes amid broader European concerns over potential terror threats, particularly in light of the upcoming Paris Olympics and ongoing European football championships in Germany. European authorities have increased security measures, including deploying additional international police officers and raising national security alert systems to their highest levels.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser noted, “We are preparing ourselves for all conceivable dangers: from Islamist terror to violent criminals and hooligans,” reflecting the comprehensive approach taken by European nations to address these threats.
