- Potential Intrusion into NATO Aerial Territory
According to Reports, NATO's facility in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia's air base, has moved into its second-highest security alert level. Below's what we have so far:
THE SITUATION
The Scene: NATO's Early Warning and Control Force stationed in Geilenkirchen near Aachen has elevated their alert level to Charlie. As a precaution, non-essential personnel have been advised to stay home, according to the base's spokesperson. This decision stems from intelligence warnings suggesting a potential risk.
Alert Level Charlie: At this security level, an event has occurred, or there's a high likelihood of terror attacks targeting the alliance. "This isn't a cause for worry and is merely a precautionary measure aimed at enabling us to carry on with our vital activities," the spokesperson clarified. The highest level, Delta, is triggered once a terror attack has taken place or is imminent.
The Base: NATO operates its airborne early warning platform, AWACS, at Geilenkirchen. This base houses fourteen reconfigured Boeing 707 planes that scan the airspace for potential menaces and warn the alliance. The multinational unit performs both air and maritime surveillance and acts as a flying command center in operations.
The unit has partaken in various operations, including those in the Balkans and Afghanistan. After Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO temporarily placed aircraft in Romania.
Investigation: The Cologne police assumed control of the investigation in the evening. No further details regarding the numbers of deployed forces were disclosed. A dpa reporter observed police vehicles on the site.
Previous Alerts: In July, there was talk of heightened vigilance at U.S. military bases in Germany and other European countries due to terror warnings. CNN reported that the second-highest security level, Charlie, was raised at these bases over the weekend. The nature of the alleged threat remained undisclosed.
WHAT WE'RE UNCLEAR ABOUT
The Alert Origins: The reasons behind the alert level increase in Geilenkirchen remain uncertain. Neither the police, defense ministry, nor NATO have shared any insights.
Possible Connections: This week, several drones were reported flying over an industrial area in Brunsbüttel. The drones' origins and targets remain unknown. It's unclear if this is linked to the increased alert level in Geilenkirchen.
Similarly, the connection between the sabotage incidents at several German military sites last week and the alert in Geilenkirchen remains unclear. After investigation, normal operations were resumed at these sites. The police and state protection conducted an investigation in Cologne-Wahn after water contamination was suspected at the air force base's waterworks. Unusual activities were also observed in Geilenkirchen, leading to the detention of an individual for questioning. However, they were released later due to lack of evidence.
Future Flights: It was unclear whether the scheduled flights at Geilenkirchen Air Force Base would resume this Friday. A spokesperson for the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force in Geilenkirchen initially suggested that the heightened security level would likely continue until Friday morning.
The current security situation at NATO's facility in Geilenkirchen has prompted the advice for non-essential personnel to stay home. The decision to elevate the facility's alert level to Charlie was made due to potential terrorist threats.
