Across Europe, several United States military bases have been placed on a heightened state of alert, with the level of force protection raised to its second-highest state, according to a report.
Citing two US officials, CNN reported that the heightened state of alert stems from concerns that US military personnel or facilities could be the target of terrorist attacks.
The bases on Force Protection Condition “Charlie” include the US Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany. The garrison also serves as the headquarters for the US European Command.
The current status “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the US Army.
The next level would be Force Protection Condition “Delta” which is applied “when a terrorist attack or hostile act has occurred or is anticipated against specific installations or operating areas.
CNN reports that one of the officials is stationed at a base in Europe and that this threat level hasn’t been seen “in at least 10 years.”
The official also shared that when it is reached, it usually means the military has received an “active-reliable threat.”
It has not been made clear what triggered the heightened security. Still, European authorities have been on extra alert with the Summer Olympics in Paris in July and the current European football championships in Germany.
In fact, since March, France has had its national security alert system raised to the highest level, according to the US embassy in the country.
“French authorities actively monitor terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals,” the embassy said. “Attacks may happen with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, major sporting and cultural events, and other public areas that attract large numbers of civilians.”