A NATO air base in Germany has raised its security level due to "a potential threat". The move comes after several suspicious incidents across the country have sparked investigation. All non-mission essential staff have been sent home from the base in Geilenkirchen in the west of the country, according to a spokesperson.
"The safety of our staff is our top priority," they said in a post on X. "Operations continue as planned."
The threat level has been raised to Charlie, the second highest of four alert levels. It means "an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received indicating that some form of terrorist action against NATO organisations or personnel is highly likely," according to Reuters.
This is the second time in just over a week that security has been raised. Last Wednesday, a full sweep of the base was carried out following reports of attempted trespassing. On the same day, a nearby German military base in Cologne was sealed off over fears someone had attempted to sabotage the water supply. Both bases later issued the all-clear and today, a spokesperson said the current alert is unconnected.
There has been no confirmation of what has triggered the current raising of security at the Geilenkirchen base or if any foreign interference is suspected. However, a number of suspicious incidents have recently sparked an investigation in Germany.
Last week, people in the west German city of Mechernich were told to boil their water or drink bottled supplies after a hole was found in a fence around a water facility. Some 10,000 residents were put on high alert as officials investigated potential tampering at a water tank which also supplied the German military. The district health office announced: "Due to unauthorized access to the drinking water system in the city of Mechernich, the drinking water could have been contaminated with a health risk." They later confirmed preliminary results of tests on the water supplies largely ruled out the presence of foreign chemicals or biological substances.
On Thursday, prosecutors in Flensburg, in Germany's far north, said they were investigating suspicions of espionage for the purpose of sabotage, without elaborating on who might be behind it. German media reported drones had been spotted over a chemical park in Brunsbuettel, on the North Sea coast.
Bernd Winterfeld, spokesperson for the public prosecutor in Flensburg, told Sky News the office had "confirm[ed] the initiation of preliminary proceedings on suspicion activity for sabotage purposes in connection with repeated drone flights over critical infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein".
Security Concerns Amidst Suspicious Incidents
The heightened security at the Geilenkirchen air base comes amid growing concerns about potential sabotage and hostile activities directed at critical infrastructure in Germany. These concerns have been fueled by a series of suspicious incidents across the country in recent weeks.
Suspicious Incidents Spark Investigations
The incidents at the Geilenkirchen and Cologne bases, along with the reported drone sightings and the water contamination scare in Mechernich, have led to a heightened sense of vulnerability and prompted investigations into potential sabotage and espionage. These incidents have raised concerns about the potential for foreign interference, particularly from Russia.
NATO's Response and Concerns
NATO has previously expressed deep concerns about evidence of Russian hybrid attacks on Germany and other European countries, including sabotage, cyber-attacks, acts of violence and disinformation campaigns. In May, NATO issued a statement condemning Russia's behavior and calling on the country to uphold its international obligations.
The incidents in Germany have prompted NATO to step up its vigilance and security measures. The decision to raise the security level at the Geilenkirchen air base underscores the seriousness of the perceived threat.
A Time of Jitters and Vulnerability
The heightened security measures and investigations reflect a growing awareness of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to sabotage and other threats. While the specific cause of the security alert at the Geilenkirchen base remains unclear, the recent string of suspicious incidents has raised concerns about the potential for foreign interference and the need for increased vigilance.
A Precautionary Measure
While the nature of the potential threat remains undisclosed, the decision to raise the security level at the Geilenkirchen air base and send non-essential personnel home reflects a cautious approach to mitigating potential risks. This precautionary measure underscores the importance of maintaining a high level of security in the face of evolving threats.
A Wake-up Call
The events in Germany serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and being vigilant against potential threats. They also highlight the need for international cooperation and coordination in addressing these challenges and ensuring the security of vital assets.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Security
The incidents in Germany and NATO's heightened security measures underscore a new era of security challenges, characterized by a growing threat of hybrid warfare and a heightened sense of vulnerability. As the world continues to grapple with these complexities, the need for collaboration, vigilance, and resilience will become increasingly critical in safeguarding vital infrastructure and national security.
