For the second time in just over a week, a NATO airbase in western Germany has heightened its security measures, citing a potential threat following a series of suspicious incidents across the country.
A NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen, Germany, has increased its security level in response to what is described as a “potential threat.” This marks the second time in just over a week that the base, which is located in western Germany, has raised its security alert. As a precaution, all non-essential personnel have been sent home, though the base remains operational.
The alert level has been elevated to “Charlie,” the second-highest on NATO’s four-tier alert system. According to NATO protocols, this level indicates that an incident has occurred or intelligence suggests a terrorist action against NATO personnel or facilities is highly likely.
A NATO spokesperson confirmed that critical operations, including scheduled flights of the base’s fleet of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) planes, are continuing as planned. Despite the heightened alert, the base remains functional to ensure ongoing surveillance and security missions.
German news agency DPA reported that police vehicles were seen on the base grounds, but authorities have yet to release further details. The heightened alert follows a similar incident last week, when a full security sweep was conducted after reports of an attempted breach at the base. On the same day, a nearby German military facility in Cologne was temporarily sealed off amid fears of an attempted sabotage of its water supply.
Though both incidents were eventually deemed unrelated and cleared, the current situation has renewed concerns about security in the region. NATO has expressed ongoing worries about Russian hybrid tactics, which include sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns targeting Germany and other European nations. However, there has been no official confirmation linking the current threat level to foreign interference.
In recent weeks, a series of suspicious incidents in Germany have sparked investigations. In Mechernich, a city in western Germany, residents were advised to boil their water after unauthorized access to a local water facility raised fears of contamination. Preliminary tests later suggested that the water supply was not compromised. Meanwhile, in the far northern city of Flensburg, authorities have launched an investigation into possible espionage and sabotage after drones were reportedly spotted over a chemical plant in Brunsbuettel.
As these incidents unfold, the security situation at the Geilenkirchen NATO base remains under close scrutiny, with officials taking all necessary precautions to protect personnel and operations.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved
