The American army has raised the alert level on several of its bases in Europe, several American media reported on Sunday. This is the “Charlie” level, the second highest, according to ABC News and CNN, citing officials on condition of anonymity.
This level applies “in the event of an incident or intelligence indicating the probability of a form of terrorist action or targeting personnel or installations”, specifies the American army on its website. The highest level is “Delta,” when a terrorist attack is in progress or “imminent.”
Contacted by AFP, the European command of American forces (USEUCOM) did not confirm this change in status, but specified: “We remain vigilant.”
The Pentagon said that “due to a combination of factors that could impact the safety and security of U.S. service members and their families stationed in the European theater, U.S. European Command is increasing its efforts to emphasize vigilance during the summer months.”
The U.S. State Department is currently advising U.S. citizens in Germany, where USEUCOM is headquartered, to exercise increased caution due to the potential for terrorist acts.
European states have been on heightened alert since gunmen killed nearly 150 people outside Moscow in March, an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. France has also increased its state of alert in the run-up to the Paris Olympic Games. Germany is currently hosting Euro 2024 football.
