Washington
The US military has raised the alert level at several bases in Europe to the second-highest level, multiple US media outlets reported.
The alert level at US military bases across Europe has been raised to “Attack Charlie,” ABC News and CNN reported, citing unnamed officials.
US officials in Europe said such high alert levels had not been seen in at least a decade, indicating “a credible threat is real and emerging”, according to the report.
The Army said on its website that this level of alert is issued “in the event of an incident or information indicating a possible terrorist act or attack on personnel or facilities.”
The highest level, “Delta,” applies when a terrorist attack has occurred or is “imminent.”
US European Command (USEUCOM) did not confirm any change in the situation when contacted by AFP but said it “remains vigilant”.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said, “Given the various factors that may affect the safety and security of U.S. military personnel and their families stationed in the European Theater, U.S. European Command is increasing efforts to maintain heightened vigilance during the summer.”
The U.S. State Department is currently advising American citizens living in Germany, where USEUCOM is headquartered, to be on heightened terrorism alert.
No specific threat was mentioned, but European countries have been on heightened alert since a gunman killed nearly 150 people outside Moscow in March, claiming the ISIL terrorist group.
France has also raised its alert level ahead of the Paris Olympics, while an international soccer tournament is currently being held in Germany.
