All U.S. military bases are on high alert due to the conflict with Iran, and there are major traffic delays outside the gates of Fort Bliss in El Paso.
“Based on current world conditions and local circumstances, the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) level at Fort Bliss has been increased,” U.S. Northern Command said in an emailed statement. “Employees and visitors to the installation should plan to increase security measures at the installation and/or extend wait times to enter the installation.”
The El Paso Police Department’s X traffic account during the morning commute on Monday, March 2, reported “unusual congestion” and “severe congestion” at the U.S. 54 and Spur 601 interchange and the Fred Wilson Boulevard overpass area. The congestion had been cleared by 10 a.m., police said.
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Drivers posted on social media about the traffic jams near Cassidy Gate on U.S. 54 Patriot Highway and Chaffee Gate off Route 601.
Fort Bliss in El Paso is one of the largest U.S. military posts in the United States. File photo of the 2023 Change of Command Ceremony at Noel Stadium.
ABC News quoted an unnamed U.S. official as saying that all U.S. military bases are on high alert due to possible threats of terrorist activities.
The El Paso Police Department has increased patrols and visibility at sensitive locations as a precaution, but there are no known threats to the city, according to a public safety update released Sunday by the El Paso Police Department.
Daniel Borunda can be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel.
This article originally appeared in the El Paso Times: Fort Bliss on alert, gate traffic causing ‘unusual congestion’