The security level at a NATO airbase in western Germany, Geilenkirchen, was recently raised temporarily due to intelligence information suggesting a potential threat. The nature of the threat was not disclosed in the announcement made late Thursday night, but as a precaution, all non-essential staff were sent home while operations continued as scheduled. The airbase houses the alliance’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance aircraft.

Friday afternoon saw the security level at the NATO AWACS fleet’s return to its standard level following the temporary increase. It was described as a precautionary measure, affirming that all planned operations were proceeding without disruption.

Reports from the German news agency dpa mentioned the presence of police cars on and around the airbase premises. While police confirmed their deployment on Thursday night, they did not provide specific details.

Furthermore, recent events have raised concerns about the vulnerability of infrastructure to potential sabotage, amid reports of espionage investigations for sabotage purposes in Flensburg by German prosecutors. Media reports mentioned drone sightings over a chemical park in Brunsbuettel on the North Sea coast.

Last week, a German air force base near Cologne was under lockdown for a few hours due to concerns about possible tampering with its water supply. However, an investigation found no evidence of sabotage. Suspicious observations near Geilenkirchen were also reported, leading to a brief detainment for questioning, but no concerning findings were uncovered.