Men sought in threat to U.S. bases in Germany

WASHINGTON - Two men are being sought on suspicion of plotting to attack U.S. military facilities in Germany, U.S. and German officials told NBC News Friday. The alleged plot included a date, May 5, for an attack, but otherwise lacked much credibility, one official said.

The sources said officials have been looking for the two men, a German and a Turk, for nearly a month.

German intelligence earlier uncovered an e-mail that suggested an attack might be planned for May 5.

While the date has passed, a German official said the threat is still being taken seriously.

A U.S. counterterrorism official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "the threat was taken seriously at the time and isn't being dismissed now. But there's nothing to suggest a new urgency to this."

The concern relates to intelligence that the two men had converted to Islam and visited Pakistan — just as other terrorist plotters from the United States and Britain have.

Much of this information was derived from a raid on the residence of at least one of the two men. The suspects were not identified by name.

On April 20, the U.S. Embassy in Bonn issued a statement that hinted of security concerns. "U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities in Germany are increasing their security posture," it stated. "We are taking these steps in response to a heightened threat situation. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans in Germany to increase their vigilance and take appropriate steps to bolster their own personal security."

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