German Military Base Temporarily Closed Amid Sabotage Suspicions
A German military base near Cologne has been temporarily shut down as authorities investigate a potential sabotage of its water supply. The Cologne-Wahn barracks, which houses approximately 5,500 personnel including 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilians, was sealed off on Wednesday following the discovery of a suspicious breach.
According to a report by Der Spiegel, a hole was found in a fence leading to the waterworks at the barracks. Ulrich Fonrobert, a military spokesperson, explained that the closure was a precautionary measure due to the uncertainty about whether the suspect might still be inside the premises. Despite an extensive search, no suspects were found.
The base has since reopened, though the drinking water system remains offline as a safety measure. Fonrobert emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that investigations are underway by police, military police, and the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD). “We are taking this incident very seriously,” he noted.
On the same day, a similar security concern led to an increased alert at a NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, western Germany. While the NATO spokesperson confirmed a heightened security level, they clarified that the base was not locked down after checking the water condition.
The incident at Cologne-Wahn occurs amid rising fears of sabotage activities across Europe, with particular attention on potential threats from Russia. In May, NATO expressed deep concern over “malign activities” by Moscow, including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
The current situation highlights the ongoing vulnerability of military facilities and critical infrastructure to potential sabotage, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and robust security measures.
