Cologne barracks sealed off for possible sabotage
In Cologne, the lockdown of a large air force base has caused concern. Soldiers have reportedly been advised not to drink the tap water, with suspicions of sabotage. While investigations are ongoing, a similar incident has been reported at another base.
Due to suspicions of a sabotage act, a German Armed Forces base in Cologne has been locked down. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense in Berlin confirmed a corresponding report by "Der Spiegel". According to the German Armed Forces, there is suspicion that the drinking water of the base may be contaminated. The security level has been increased at the NATO support point in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, as announced by a spokesperson for the transatlantic alliance.
In both cases, suspicious persons have been seen. Initially, it was reported that the support point in Geilenkirchen had also been locked down. AWACS reconnaissance aircraft are stationed there. The base also has its own water pump station. A man tried to enter the premises on Tuesday evening but was prevented from doing so, a NATO spokesperson told the news agency AFP. The support point was then routinely inspected, and the police initiated investigations. However, NATO has since given the all-clear, stating that the support point is "operating at full capacity".
Ulrich Fonrobert, spokesperson for the German Armed Forces' Landeskommando in North Rhine-Westphalia, said that the incident is being taken "very seriously". The military is working closely with the investigating authorities, which include the police, military police, military security service, and state security. The German Armed Forces base in Cologne-Wahn, located directly at Cologne Bonn Airport, houses parts of the defense ministry's air transport wing, as well as higher command headquarters and approximately 4300 soldiers and 1200 civilian employees.
Investigators at the Cologne-Wahn air base are looking into suspicious activities at a waterworks, with suspicions of a crime against the German Armed Forces. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the base has been closed for investigations due to suspicions of an attempted or successful illegal intrusion. They also mentioned the suspicion of sabotage.
Water samples are being examined
Following reports of a disturbance, a hole in a fence was discovered, and a suspicious person was noticed. This initially raised the unconfirmed suspicion that the water supply may have been sabotaged. Water samples have been taken for examination. It remains unconfirmed whether soldiers have complained of nausea.
"Last night, there was an incident at the base behind us. This incident has led to the base being closed since then," said Oberstleutnant Fonrobert, speaking on behalf of the German Armed Forces in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Air force base was locked down for hours
The Territorial Command of the German Armed Forces (TFK) states: "We wish a speedy and full recovery to any members of the German Armed Forces who may have been affected by the incident." Due to ongoing investigations, no further details can be provided at this time.
The barracks could not be entered or exited for hours, but it was expected to reopen on Wednesday, according to the German Armed Forces. Several units are stationed there, including the Air Transport Wing, responsible for the travel of cabinet members and high-ranking government officials. The possible background to the incident was initially unknown to the public. The Ministry of Defense did not provide details on a potential political connection. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the security situation has been reassessed overall. Security experts have repeatedly warned that military infrastructure could also be targeted by espionage or sabotage attempts.
Despite these ongoing investigations and suspicions of sabotage, it's crucial for the military and the public to remain vigilant against Wars and Conflicts that might exploit such vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the recent incidents at multiple bases serve as a reminder of the potential threats that Military bases face in today's geopolitical climate.
