Unveiling the Known Facts and the Unknown Aspects. - Elevated alarm status at NATO's second-highest airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia
The NATO has increased the alert level at its base in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to its second-highest level. As a preventative measure, non-essential personnel have been sent home. This move was prompted by intelligence reports suggesting a potential threat.
Details on the NATO base alert in Geilenkirchen
The current security level, referred to as Charlie in NATO lingo, indicates that a possible incident has occurred or there's strong evidence of an impending terrorist action against the alliance. The spokesperson for the base near Aachen clarified, "This isn't a cause for panic; it's merely a precautionary measure to ensure we can maintain our critical operations." Regrettably, additional details about the circumstances leading to this heightened alert level were not disclosed.
Last Thursday evening, the police confirmed an ongoing operation without providing further details or numbers of personnel involved. On Friday morning, a police spokesperson in Cologne indicated that there were no further updates at that time.
An on-site dpa reporter observed police vehicles on the base, and digital displays at the entrance showed security level C.
Geilenkirchen's early warning system - AWACS
The NATO has positioned its flying early warning system, AWACS, in Geilenkirchen. With fourteen Boeing 707 aircraft, this multinational unit monitors airspace to spot potential dangers and alert the alliance. These aircraft carry out classic air and sea surveillance, and serve as flying command centers during operations.
The unit has participated in various operations, like those in the Balkans and Afghanistan. After Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO temporarily deployed aircraft to Romania.
AWACS stands for Airborne Early Warning and Control System. With a range of 9,250 kilometers, these aircraft can detect and identify other aircraft up to 400 kilometers away. They feature a large radar antenna that resembles a mushroom on the back.
Suspected sabotage a week ago
Around a week ago, suspicions of sabotage arose at several German military bases. However, following investigations, the all-clear was given. Police and state security were investigating a security incident at the Cologne-Wahn air force base waterworks due to water contamination suspicions.
Similarly, Geilenkirchen saw suspicious activities, with an individual within proximity to the airport being apprehended for questioning. Regrettably, the accusations against this individual could not be proven.
What remains unknown
The reasons for this heightened security level in Geilenkirchen and the underlying circumstances are still largely inconclusive. Neither the police, Ministry of Defense, nor NATO have revealed any information on this matter.
Possible connections: Last Thursday, multiple drones were reportedly spotted over an industrial area in Brunsbüttel. However, both their origin and target remain unknown. Whether this is linked to the heightened security level in Geilenkirchen is likewise undetermined.
Likewise, the connection between sabotage incidents at several German military facilities a week ago and the elevated security level in Geilenkirchen remains uncertain. Following inspections, the all-clear was given. The police and the state security department investigated a security incident at the Cologne-Wahn air force base waterworks due to suspicions of contaminated drinking water.
In Geilenkirchen, too, suspicious activities were observed. Reports from safety sources revealed that an individual within the airport vicinity was detained for questioning. However, no confirmation of suspicions against this individual was forthcoming.
Restricted air traffic: Whether air traffic at the Geilenkirchen air force support base can resume on Friday was unclear. At first, a NATO AWACS spokesperson in Geilenkirchen indicated that the heightened security level might persist until Friday morning.
The current security level at the NATO base in Geilenkirchen, known as Charlie, indicates a potential threat or incident, justifying the base's heightened alert level. Despite the ongoing investigations and precautionary measures, the specific reasons behind this increased security level remain undefined and undisclosed by relevant authorities.
