Sabotage Scare at German Military Base Next to Cologne Airport

A military base next to Cologne airport was sealed off temporarily due to a suspected sabotage incident. Unusual water supply values prompted a search, and water is now supplied by canisters. A nearby NATO base raised its security level. An increase in such incidents has been linked to Russian intelligence by NATO.

A German military base next to Cologne airport was temporarily sealed off on Wednesday following a possible sabotage incident, according to the military's Territorial Command.

The base, housing 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilian workers, reopened in the afternoon after authorities detected unusual values in the drinking-water system, prompting an immediate search of the premises.

A nearby NATO base in Geilenkirchen raised its security level but remained accessible. NATO has noted an increase in hostile activities, including acts of sabotage believed to be orchestrated by Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)