- Potential danger to NATO's airbase located in North Rhine-Westphalia
Recent rumors of a potential hazard targeting the NATO airbase situated in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, have sparked heightened caution, but the exact nature of the danger remains shrouded in mystery. Both NATO and German officials have remained mum on the matter. On Thursday, NATO elevated the base's security level to its second-highest tier. This move was initiated following intelligence hinting at a potential threat, as disclosed by Christian Brett, the spokesperson for the airbase.
As a preventive measure, all non-essential personnel were instructed to leave. Notably, no untoward incidents were reported during the night leading up to Friday, thus enabling the base to return to normalcy. Brett anticipates that basic security protocols will be reinstated, and the security level will be lowered from C to B later in the day.
Regardless, flight activities proceeded as planned throughout the incident. NATO's Airborne Early Warning and Control System, AWACS, is stationed in Geilenkirchen.
Security Level Charlie
NATO's "Charlie" security level signifies that either an incident has transpired or there's a substantial likelihood of a terrorist activity against the alliance. The escalation of the security level at Geilenkirchen on Thursday evening was a proactive measure, as confirmed by Brett. He refrained from disclosing the specifics of the threat, dismissing speculations about drone intrusions as preposterous.
The Cologne police corroborated this, although they could not divulge further details owing to ongoing probes. They have been in touch with relevant national security and justice authorities, as well as NATO officials at the base.
A journalist present on the scene reported the presence of police vehicles both within the base and in the nearby vicinity. Digital screens and signs at the entrance indicated a security level C. Vehicles gaining entry to the base underwent routine inspections, which is standard practice. Background noise from aircraft activities was also audible.
AWACS Base
Geilenkirchen is home to 14 AWACS aircraft - Boeing 707s converted to monitor and identify potential threats in the airspace, providing early warning to the alliance. This multinational squadron undertakes routine air and sea surveillance, acting as an aerial command center during military operations. It has contributed to numerous missions, such as those in the Balkans and Afghanistan. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO briefly deployed aircraft to Romania. AWACS stands for Airborne Early Warning and Control System. These aircraft have a 9,250-kilometer range and can spot and identify other aircraft up to 400 kilometers away. They are armed with a large radar antenna resembling a mushroom atop their backs.
Currently, around 1600 individuals work at the NATO airbase, many of whom are currently on vacation. Approximately half of the staff is currently working remotely.
A week ago, sabotage was suspected at various German Armed Forces installations. Upon investigation, clearance was given. In Cologne-Wahn's Air Force base waterworks, a security incident was under scrutiny, owing to concerns that the drinking water might have been contaminated.
Suspicious activities were also detected in Geilenkirchen. Based on intelligence gleaned from security sources, an individual near the airport was questioned for hours, but the allegations against them proved unwarranted.
The escalation of the base's security level to Charlie signified a potential threat or incident, requiring heightened security measures. After the increase to the second-highest tier, Brett indicated that the security level might be lowered back to B later in the day.
