US Military Bases In Europe Are On Standby To Anticipate Terrorist Attacks

US Military Base Dagger Complex in Darmstadt, Germany. (Wikimedia Commons/Armin K\"ebelbeck)

JAKARTA - A number of US military bases across Europe are on high alert over the weekend, with troop protection levels raised to second-highest status, amid fears terrorist attacks could target their military personnel or facilities, according to two US officials.

The bases, including the US Army squad in Stuttgart, Germany where US European Command is based, raised their alert level to "Charlie" Troop Protection Conditions on Sunday, the officials said.

Status tersebut "berlaku ketika sebuah insiden terjadi atau intelijen diterima yang menunjukkan beberapa bentuk aksi teroris atau pen targetan terhadap personel atau fasilitas kemungkinan besar terjadi," menurut US Army, dikutip dari CNN 1 Juli.

One US official, who was stationed at a base in Europe told CNN they had not seen this threat level "at least within 10 years," saying it usually meant the military had accepted "trustworthy and active threats."

When asked about the change, a spokesman for the US European Command, Commander Dan Day declined to comment on the level of protection of certain troops.

However, he told CNN, USEUCOM continues to assess various factors that affect the safety of US military communities abroad.

"As part of these efforts, we often take additional steps to ensure the safety of our members of the force. For operational security reasons, we will not discuss special measures, but we remain vigilant," he said.

Day added, "USEUCOM continues to monitor the security environment to ensure its personnel receive information and are in the best position to ensure the safety of their individuals, families, and loved ones. As usual, USEUCOM advises personnel in European territory to remain vigilant and always alert at all times."

It is unclear what intelligence sparked such increased security. However, European authorities have warned of potential terror threats on the continent, especially ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and during the current European football championship in Germany.

The German government has brought in 580 international police officers to assist security with German officers. Meanwhile, France has also been prepared to face a possible terror threat to the 2024 Paris Olympics which will start in less than a month.