Heightened Security at NATO Base Due to Potential Threat

Heightened security measures have been implemented at NATO's Geilenkirchen air base in western Germany due to a 'potential threat.' Non-essential staff were sent home as a precaution. The base, housing AWACS aircraft, saw police deployment. This follows similar recent security concerns, including possible tampering with the water supply at another base.

Security at a NATO air base in western Germany has been raised due to intelligence information suggesting a "potential threat," according to NATO. Non-essential staff have been sent home as a precaution.

The Geilenkirchen air base, located near the Netherlands border, is home to the alliance's Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The NATO AWACS fleet's social media account announced on Thursday night that they have heightened the security level but did not provide details on the potential threat. While operations continue as planned, local police presence was observed at the base. However, law enforcement has provided no specific information.

This incident follows recent security concerns, including a lockdown at a major German air force base near Cologne over fears of tampered water supply, which were later found to be unfounded. Additionally, there were reports and brief detentions related to suspicious activities at Geilenkirchen.

The incidents occur amid rising concerns about potential vulnerabilities to Russian sabotage attempts. On Thursday, prosecutors in Flensburg announced an investigation into suspected espionage for sabotage. German media reports also noted drone sightings over a chemical park in Brunsbuettel.

(With inputs from agencies.)