- Pistorius on sabotage alert: remain vigilant
After the sabotage alert at the Cologne-Wahn air force base and suspicious observations at the edge of the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) continues to advise vigilance. "We reacted quickly at both locations, sealed off access, intensified controls, involved investigative authorities, and ordered lab tests. These incidents show that we must remain vigilant," Pistorius told Spiegel on Wednesday evening. "Of course, we are also reviewing our security measures and adjusting them if necessary, which is already underway."
Currently, there are no concrete indications of a link between the two incidents in Cologne-Wahn and Geilenkirchen. "Now we must await further investigation results and act calmly. We trust the proven cooperation with the relevant investigative authorities," said Pistorius.
Police and state protection are investigating a security incident at the waterworks of the Cologne-Wahn air force base due to suspected sabotage against the Bundeswehr. "Abnormal water values" and then a hole in the fence were discovered, a spokesperson for the Bundeswehr in Cologne said on Wednesday. Several units are stationed in Cologne-Wahn, including the air transport wing of the Bundeswehr, responsible for the travel of the federal president and chancellor, cabinet members, and high-ranking government officials.
Suspicious observations were also made in Geilenkirchen, from where reconnaissance flights start and land. According to information from security circles, a person in the vicinity of the airport was temporarily taken into custody for questioning, but the suspicion was not confirmed.
The Defense Minister emphasized the need to review and adjust defense strategies after the security incidents, stating, "We are also reviewing our security measures and adjusting them if necessary." The spokesperson for the Bundeswehr explained that the waterworks incident at the Cologne-Wahn air force base was a defense-related issue, mentioning, "We are dealing with a defence-related security incident at the waterworks."
