Several United States military bases across Europe have been placed on heightened alert following concerns of potential terrorist threats targeting personnel and facilities, according to officials speaking to CNN on Sunday.
The U.S. Army Garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, where U.S. European Command (EUCOM) is headquartered, raised its Force Protection Condition (FPCON) to “Charlie” on Sunday. This elevated alert level signifies a state of heightened readiness and preparedness to respond swiftly to potential threats in the region.
CNN’s sources, including a U.S. official stationed at a European base, noted that such a high threat level hasn’t been seen in over a decade, indicating the seriousness of the current security situation. FPCON levels range from Normal to Delta, with Charlie indicating a substantial threat of terrorist action targeting personnel or facilities.
The decision to implement FPCON Charlie underscores ongoing concerns within European authorities regarding potential terrorist activities, especially during high-profile events like the Paris Olympics and ongoing European football championships in Germany.
EUCOM emphasized in a statement that it continually evaluates various factors impacting the safety of U.S. military communities abroad, often necessitating additional security measures to safeguard service members.
In response to the heightened alert, garrison officials in Stuttgart announced adjustments affecting services such as reduced access to certain facilities and increased teleworking among staff. These measures aim to ensure operational continuity while prioritizing safety.
Similar precautions are reportedly in place at Aviano Air Base in Italy, according to Stars and Stripes, indicating a coordinated effort across multiple military installations in response to the heightened threat environment.
The increased security posture follows President Joe Biden’s commitment at the NATO summit in Madrid to bolster U.S. military presence in Europe amid heightened tensions with Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This includes additional deployments and enhancements aimed at bolstering NATO’s collective defense capabilities.
Biden’s announcement reflects NATO’s unified stance in response to geopolitical challenges, reinforcing strategic readiness and interoperability among allied forces in Europe.
