Geilenkirchen, August 23, 2024, The Europe Today: In response to intelligence reports of a potential threat, NATO’s airbase in Geilenkirchen, western Germany, has escalated its security to the second-highest level, according to a statement released on Thursday. The decision follows assessments indicating a possible risk, leading to heightened vigilance at the base.
“We raised the security level at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat,” the base announced in a post on the social media platform X, emphasizing that the safety of personnel remains paramount. As part of the precautionary measures, all non-mission essential staff have been sent home, while operations at the base continue as planned.
A spokesperson for the Geilenkirchen airbase confirmed that the security posture has been elevated to level Charlie. According to NATO’s classification, this level indicates either an incident has occurred or there is evidence suggesting a high likelihood of a terrorist action against the alliance.
While details of the threat were not disclosed, authorities assured that the security measures were implemented out of caution, and there is no immediate cause for public concern.
This heightened alert marks the second time in recent weeks that security has been intensified at a NATO base in Germany. Last week, a military base in Cologne was temporarily sealed off after a potential act of sabotage was suspected when a hole was discovered in a fence near the base’s drinking water storage facilities.
NATO has previously warned of potential threats from Russia, including sabotage and cyberattacks. In June, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted an emerging pattern of increased activity by Russian intelligence, leading to a series of incidents.
The situation remains under close monitoring as NATO continues to prioritize the security of its personnel and facilities.
