NATO Base in Germany on High Alert Amid Potential Threat

The NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, remains on high alert following intelligence of a potential threat. The base, which houses AWACS surveillance planes, is operating with minimal staff as a precaution. The alert is unrelated to recent security issues at nearby Cologne base.

The NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, remained on high alert Friday after overnight intelligence suggested a potential threat, a spokesperson said. The base is currently at security level Charlie, the second-highest of four alert levels, indicating a high likelihood of terrorist action against NATO.

Operating with minimal staffing as a precaution, the base continues its regular operations. The upgrade in security is not connected to last week's temporary alert following a suspected sabotage at a nearby military base in Cologne. The same day, Geilenkirchen also reported an attempted trespassing prompting a thorough sweep of the base.

Earlier concerns about sabotage of the water supply in Cologne were dismissed after tests showed no contamination. Previously, NATO has cautioned against hostile activities from Russia, including acts of sabotage and cyberattacks, which have seen a noticeable uptick. Notably, in 2022, the severing of a vital undersea cable to Norway sparked further security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)