German Military Base Security Breach: Tap Water Warning Issued

A German military base near Cologne airport was temporarily sealed after a possible sabotage incident that contaminated the tap water. Soldiers were warned not to drink the water, and the incident caused a security alert at NATO's nearby Geilenkirchen base. Authorities continue to investigate the breach.

A German military base next to Cologne airport was temporarily sealed off on Wednesday amid concerns of possible sabotage, leading soldiers to be warned against drinking tap water. This came as authorities investigated the incident, where a breach was created in the base's fence, potentially contaminating the water, a security source revealed.

Despite reopening the barracks later in the afternoon, the tap water ban remained in place pending water quality tests. The Cologne-Wahn base, critical for housing the military aircraft used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers, continues to maintain heightened security protocol.

Following the incident, NATO's Geilenkirchen base, home to AWACS surveillance planes, raised its security level but remained operational. While no immediate suspects have been identified, NATO has previously cited Russian sabotage activities as potential threats. June reports indicated an increase in hostile acts from Moscow, especially targeting European nations like Germany, Poland, Britain, and the Czech Republic.

(With inputs from agencies.)