Terrorism threats cause Pentagon to raise security alert at US military bases in Europe

WASHINGTON – U.S. military bases in Europe have been placed on higher security alert due to "a combination of factors" that could affect the safety of troops and their families, military officials said Monday.

U.S. European Command oversees 83,000 American troops at Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps installations across the continent. The command "is redoubling its efforts to stress vigilance during the summer months," according to a statement released Monday.

Russia's continuing war in Ukraine and the Paris Olympics are some of the factors that affect the security environment in Europe.

Concerns about security at the Olympics was one of the primary reasons for tightening security, according to a senior Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. The move appears to be proactive rather than a response to a specific threat.

European Command "constantly monitors the security environment to ensure its personnel are informed and best armed to assure the safety of their individual person, family and loved ones," according to the statement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US military bases in Europe put on higher security alert