Cologne Military Base Tap Water Declared Safe After Sabotage Scare

Authorities temporarily closed the Cologne military base in Germany to investigate a potential sabotage after a hole was found in a fence near the water processing plant. Test results confirmed the tap water is safe for consumption. No trespassers were discovered, and soldiers resumed normal activities.

Test results have confirmed that the tap water at the Cologne military base in Germany is safe for consumption, a military spokesperson announced on Friday. The site was temporarily closed two days earlier to investigate potential sabotage.

The investigation was triggered when a guard found a hole in a fence near the base's water processing plant. Authorities had warned soldiers not to drink the tap water until safety tests were completed. According to the Territorial Command, "The safety thresholds under German drinking water rules have not been exceeded." Soldiers can now safely consume the water once again.

The base, located next to Cologne airport, houses 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilian employees. It is also home to the military aircraft used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his ministers. Recent years have seen escalating concerns over hostile activities attributed to Russia, including sabotage and cyberattacks, particularly targeting NATO territories.

(With inputs from agencies.)