![NATO Airbase in Germany Increases Security Amidst Potential Threat](https://media.newstracklive.com/uploads/latest-news/world-news/Aug/23/big_thumb/NATO-airbase_66c81cf8f1987.jpeg)
A NATO airbase in western Germany has elevated its security measures due to a potential threat. The NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen issued a statement on social media, noting that the heightened security level was prompted by intelligence suggesting a possible threat.
This move follows a recent incident at a German military base in Cologne-Wahn, which was briefly locked down for several hours. Authorities investigated a suspicious hole found in a fence near water storage facilities. Fortunately, tests confirmed that the drinking water was not contaminated, according to the German army.
Additionally, NATO reported an attempted breach at the Geilenkirchen base. A person tried to access the facility but was stopped and sent away. There is currently no evidence linking this attempted breach with the recent incident in Cologne-Wahn.
Germany, a crucial ally of Ukraine, has been particularly vigilant about potential sabotage and attacks on its military sites since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In April, two German-Russian men were arrested on suspicion of espionage and planning attacks on military installations, including those of the US Army, in an effort to disrupt support for Ukraine.
The NATO Airbase in Geilenkirchen, western Germany, has upgraded its security level to 'Charlie,' the second-highest of four alert states. This decision, as explained by a base spokesperson, reflects intelligence indicating that terrorist actions against NATO organizations or personnel are highly likely.
This is the second instance in recent weeks where the Geilenkirchen base, which hosts NATO’s AWACS surveillance planes, has elevated its security. Last week, a nearby military base in Cologne was temporarily sealed off due to a suspected sabotage of its water supply. Although initial concerns were raised, subsequent tests confirmed that the water was not contaminated.
On the same day as the Cologne incident, Geilenkirchen reported an attempted breach. Security measures were immediately enacted, including a thorough sweep of the facility.
NATO has previously warned of a pattern of hostile activities by Russia, encompassing sabotage and cyberattacks. In June, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted a discernible pattern of increased Russian intelligence activity and subsequent attacks.
Analysts have flagged several suspicious incidents on NATO territory in recent years, including the severance of a crucial undersea cable between Svalbard and mainland Norway in 2022.
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