U.S. Military Bases on High Alert Following Recent Threats

Following earlier this week's vicious assaults in New Orleans and Las Vegas, U.S. military outposts throughout North America are stepping up security protocols. Effective immediately, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) declared the Trusted Traveler Program suspended and directed 100% identity checks at base access points.

Paused indefinitely is the Trusted Traveler Program, which lets Department of Defense staff members and service members vouch for vehicle occupants. All visitors now have to pick passes from base offices. Bases also demand all occupants aged 18 and above to provide identification and will randomly search vehicles.

"These steps are a reasonable reaction to guarantee the security and safety of our installations and staff," NORTHCOM said. "Although bases are not specifically threatened, these steps are being taken as a precaution based on current events."

The choice results from two unrelated incidents on January 1. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a leased truck into a gathering in New Orleans, opened fire, and killed over a dozen people before police shot him. His car turned up an Islamic State flag. Active-duty Green Beret Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger drove a rented Tesla Cybertruck to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas hours later, where an explosion happened, hurting seven persons. Authorities have verified that Livelsberger passed away from suicide prior to the blast.

Although the attacks are unrelated, NORTHCOM acted based on their proximity in time and degree of intensity. Every branch of the military is impacted, and expected are delays at points of entrance.

Installations like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio have informed staff of the modifications; the length of these increased security policies is yet unknown.

The higher awareness emphasizes the military's dedication to protecting its assets and soldiers in front of changing risks.

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