Understood circumstances - and uncovered details - The security measures at the NATO airfield in North Rhine-Westphalia have been reduced once more.
Low Alert at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen near Aachen: The threat level at the base, which was escalated to the second-highest level on Thursday evening due to potential danger, has now been adjusted lower. This information was confirmed by a base representative to the German Press Agency. This means that the airport's security measures have reverted to their usual state since the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.
There was no disclosure of the nature of the threat earlier. It was reported that there were intelligence tips that suggested potential harm.
As a precaution, as many personnel as feasible were asked to leave work. However, air traffic was unaffected, according to reports.
Elevated Threat Level at Geilenkirchen Base - What We Know
Temporarily, the security level Alpha in NATO lingo indicates that an incident has occurred or there are signs of imminent terrorist action against the alliance. "This isn't something to worry about and is merely a preventative measure to ensure we can keep carrying out our critical operations," the base spokesperson said. They declined to offer additional details regarding the factors that prompted the heightened alert level when inquired.
The police confirmed an ongoing operation. Further details, such as the deployed force numbers, were not disclosed. A police spokesperson in Cologne stated on Friday morning that no further information was available at that time.
A DPA news agency reporter on the scene observed police vehicles on the air base premises. Electronic displays and signs at the base entrance displayed the security level Alpha.
However, since no incidents occurred overnight, the indications suggest that all clear has been given. The base spokesperson anticipates that regular security measures will be reinstated during the day and the security level Alpha will be reduced to Bravo.
Location of the Early Warning System Awacs
NATO has stationed the flying early warning system Awacs in Geilenkirchen. 14 converted Boeing-707 aircraft monitor the airspace with the aim of detecting potential risks and alerting the alliance at an early stage. The multinational unit carries out classical surveillance of both air and sea and is employed as a kind of airborne command center for guiding combat aircraft.
The unit has participated in various operations, such as in the Balkans and Afghanistan. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, NATO temporarily deployed aircraft to Romania.
Awacs represents "Airborne Early Warning and Control System" (Airborne Early Warning and Control System). The aircraft have a 9,250-kilometer range and can detect and identify other aircraft within a 400-kilometer radius. They are equipped with a large radar device on their backs that resembles a mushroom.
Sabotage Concerns Surfaced Last Week
Approximately a week ago, concerns of sabotage arose at various German military facilities. All clear was issued following inspections. For instance, police and state protection investigated a security incident at the Cologne-Wahn air force base waterworks due to suspicions that the water could have been contaminated.
What We Don't Know
The reason for the increased security level in Geilenkirchen remains unclear, as well as the possible motivations behind it. Neither the police, Ministry of Defense, nor NATO have made statements on this matter.
Possible Connections: Several drones were reportedly spotted over an industrial area in Brunsbüttel on Thursday, according to media outlets. The drones' origins and intended targets remain a mystery. Whether this is related to the heightened security level in Geilenkirchen is yet to be determined.
In a similar vein, it is unclear if the sabotage incidents at several German military sites last week are linked to the security level in Geilenkirchen. An investigation ultimately led to all clear being given. In the case of a suspected security incident at the waterworks of the Air Force Base Cologne-Wahn, police and state protection investigated the possibility that drinking water might have been contaminated.
Suspicious activities were also noticed in Geilenkirchen. According to information from security sources, a person in the vicinity of the airport was briefly detained for questioning, but the allegations were unfounded.
The European Union expressed concern over the escalated threat level at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen. Due to the decrease in threat level, the European Union is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to provide assistance if needed.
