BERLIN, Germany: The NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, has elevated its security level to Charlie, the second-highest alert state, following intelligence reports of a potential threat.
The base, which hosts NATO’s fleet of AWACS surveillance planes, announced late Thursday that all non-essential staff had been sent home as a precautionary measure. The heightened alert, characterized by the likelihood of imminent terrorist action against NATO personnel or facilities, reflects serious concerns about security.
This increase in alert status comes after a series of security incidents in the region. Last week, a nearby military base in Cologne was temporarily closed due to concerns about possible sabotage of its water supply, though subsequent tests confirmed the water was not contaminated. The Geilenkirchen base also experienced an attempted trespassing incident on the same day, prompting a comprehensive security sweep of the premises.
NATO has previously highlighted the risk of hostile activities from Russia, including sabotage and cyberattacks. In June, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted an increase in such activities, attributed to heightened Russian intelligence operations.
Analysts have observed a pattern of suspicious incidents on NATO territory, such as the severance of an undersea cable in 2022, suggesting a broader campaign of disruptions.
The increased security measures at Geilenkirchen reflect ongoing vigilance and the evolving threat landscape facing NATO and its operations.
