North Rhine-Westphalia - Two German military barracks locked up on suspicion of sabotage
Investigators are looking into suspicious activities at a waterworks on the Cologne-Wahn airbase, suspecting a crime against the Bundeswehr. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense confirmed on Wednesday that the barracks had been closed for investigations due to suspicion of an attempted or successful illegal intrusion. He also stated that there was a suspicion of sabotage.
In addition to the location in Cologne-Wahn, the NATO support point in North Rhine-Westphalia's Geilenkirchen is also said to have been sealed off due to suspicion of sabotage, according to information from the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" confirmed by a spokesperson for the Territorial Command of the Bundeswehr in Berlin. There, too, a possible contamination of the drinking water is being examined, and the barracks is said to have its own water pump station. AWACS reconnaissance aircraft are also stationed there.
In addition to the police and military police, the Military Security Service (MAD) and the State Protection were also involved in the investigations. The ministry referred to the investigating authorities for further details.
Water samples are being examined. Following indications of a disturbance, a hole in a fence was discovered, and a suspicious person was also noticed. This initially unconfirmed suspicion was that the water supply could have been sabotaged. Water samples were also taken. It remains unconfirmed whether soldiers have complained of nausea.
"There was an incident at the barracks behind us last night, which led to the barracks being closed since then," said Lieutenant Colonel Ulrich Fonrobert, speaking on behalf of the Bundeswehr in North Rhine-Westphalia. "The Bundeswehr takes this incident very seriously."
The Territorial Command of the Bundeswehr (TFK) states: "We wish a speedy and full recovery to all Bundeswehr members who may have been affected by the incident." Due to ongoing investigations, no further details can be provided at this time.
The barracks could not be entered or exited for several hours but was expected to reopen on Wednesday, according to Bundeswehr statements. Several units are stationed there, including the Air Force's flight readiness unit, which is responsible for the travel of cabinet members and high-ranking government officials.
The possible background of the incident was initially unknown to the public. The Ministry of Defense did not provide details on a political connection. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, the overall security situation has been reassessed. Security experts have repeatedly warned that military infrastructure could also be targets of espionage or sabotage attempts.
The investigation into the incident at the waterworks reveals suspicions of sabotage towards the water supply. Due to this suspected attack, the authorities are meticulously examining the collected water samples.
