US military raises alert level to 'Charlie' for Europe bases: reports
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US military facilities in much of Europe are on alert for a possible "terrorist attack", according to a statement from the US European Command headquarters.
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American troops participate in a NATO demonstration drill at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase near Constanta, Romania. The US military raised the alert level of several bases in Europe to its second-highest level on June 30, 2024. (AFP)
The US military has elevated the alert status of several European bases to the second-highest level, multiple American media outlets reported on Sunday.
ABC News and CNN reported, citing officials, that US bases across Europe have been raised to the "Charlie" alert level. According to the US Army's website, this level is implemented when "an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely."
The highest alert level, "Delta," is applied when a terrorist attack has occurred or is considered "imminent." The US European Command (USEUCOM) did not confirm the status change when contacted by AFP but stated, "We remain vigilant."
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Meanwhile, the Pentagon noted that "due to a combination of factors potentially impacting the safety and security of US service members and their families stationed in the European theater, US European Command is redoubling its efforts to stress vigilance during the summer months."
The US State Department advised US citizens in Germany, where USEUCOM is headquartered, to exercise increased caution due to terrorism. While no specific threat has been mentioned, European nations have been on heightened alert since gunmen killed nearly 150 people outside Moscow in March, an attack claimed by ISIS.
France has also increased its state of alert ahead of the Paris Olympics, while Germany is currently hosting an international football tournament.
On another note, earlier this year, construction started on what is set to become the largest NATO base in Europe in Romania. This project comes with a hefty price tag of €2.5 billion. The base, once completed, will reportedly enhance NATO's presence in the region and bolster Romania's defense capabilities.
The project involves the expansion of the Romanian Air Force's 57th Air Base Mihail Kogălniceanu, which will cover an area of 2,800 hectares and have a perimeter of 30 kilometers.
The new base in Constanța County, Romania will accommodate 10,000 NATO troops and their families. It will reportedly feature various facilities, including runways, aircraft hangars, storage units for weapons and fuel, training facilities, educational institutions, medical services, and commercial outlets.
