NOS news•
The security level has been increased at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen, just across the border from Brunssum in Limburg. The base says it has information about a possible threat, although what it means is not communicated. This is the second time in a short time that such a measure has been taken.
The air base in Geilenkirchen says all non-essential workers were sent home yesterday as a precaution. “The safety of our employees is our top priority. Operations are continuing as planned. ” According to the German news agency DPA, the Cologne police are present at the site with cars.
A spokesman told Reuters that the threat level had been raised to ‘Charlie’, the second highest level. A Charlie level occurs “when an incident has occurred or there is information about a highly probable act of terrorism against NATO organizations or personnel”.
Incident related to drinking water at the Köln center
Last week, the security level in Geilenkirchen was also increased following an incident at a military base in nearby Cologne. Authorities investigated the suspected sabotage of the drinking water supply. The German army had reported that people had developed stomach and intestinal problems. It was reported that “abnormal values” were found when testing the drinking water. The barracks were closed and released again after a few hours, when it turned out that the drinking water was not contaminated.
On the same day, a burglary was attempted at the base in Geilenkirchen, after which the entire site was searched. It is not clear if anyone has been arrested.
Fourteen AWACS aircraft are stationed at the air base. AWACS stands for Airborne Warning and Control System – radar-equipped surveillance aircraft.
2024-08-22 23:55:09
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