US Bases In Europe Under Heightened Alert Ahead Of Possible Terror Attacks, ISIS-Affiliated Networks Smuggling Illegals Into US

The DHS reported that an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network aided over 400 illegal immigrants crossing the border to get into the United States illegally.

EUROPE - Many U.S. military bases located within Europe have been put on a heightened alert status ahead of possible terrorist attacks against facilities or personnel, according to U.S. defense officials who say the increase is due to several factors, and not related to a single threat alone.

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“Our increase in vigilance is not related to any one single threat, but out of concern of a combination of factors such as ongoing and upcoming large public forums including the Euro Cup and the Olympics, along with an increasing threat of attacks by potential bad actors against various non-military targets in Europe,” a statement by European Command read regarding the heightened alert statuses.

One U.S. official stationed at a base in the region said they haven't seen the level this high (at its second highest state) in "at least 10 years," and went on to say this usually means the U.S. military has received an “active-reliable threat". 

U.S. European Command said that it “advises personnel in the European theater to remain vigilant and stay alert at all times, including reporting suspicious activity, monitoring Department of State travel advisories, and implementing prudent personal risk mitigation measures”.

A U.S. defense official said that the military is, “Taking extra steps to ensure [U.S. troops] remain vigilant during both business and pleasure activities”.

Bases known to be on heightened alert:

• EUCOM Base In Stuttgart, Germany: Condition Charlie

• Aviano Air Base in Italy: Condition Charlie

• Other installations in Italy: Enhanced security measures

• Rheinland-Pfalz garrison, including Baumholder and other installations in Romania and Bulgaria

• Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Spangdahlem Air Base in West Germany: Prohibited from wearing uniforms off base, commuting in civilian clothing only

U.S. counterterrorism officials have said that the Islamic State terrorist organization (IS, also known as ISIS, or ISIS-K) has been once again establishing itself in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, and has set its sights on Europe, claiming responsibility for an attack on Moscow, Russia where Tajikistani men opened fire on the Crocus City Hall, killing over 140 people and injuring hundreds more.

National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said at the time, “ISIS bears sole responsibility for this attack. There was no Ukrainian involvement whatsoever”.

ISIS-K also claimed responsibility for a twin bombing attack that killed around 90 people in January on General Qasem Soleimani’s memorial service in Iran, a man killed by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad four years prior, with at least one of the alleged suicide bombers being also a Tajikistani national.

U.S. counterterrorism officials have also said that ISIS-K has been increasing their influence in “transnational” criminal networks and human smuggling rings in Europe and across the globe, which includes smuggling activities involving the U.S. borders.

The Department of Homeland Security said that an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network aided over 400 illegal immigrants crossing the border to get into the United States illegally over the last three years.

There has been increased concern by U.S. officials that the increased flow of illegal immigrants crossing over into the United States has caught the attention of the Islamic State terrorist group.

ISIS-K Gaining Foothold In Afghanistan As Foreign Counterterrorist Efforts No Longer Keeping Group At Bay, ISIS Affiliated Smuggling Network Aiding Illegals Over US Border