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This discovery led to the temporary confinement of the base while tests were carried out on the water source. NATO officials also reported that an intruder attempted to force access to one of the alliance’s bases in the country.
By Sarah Maslin Nir
Report from Berlin
Two military bases in Germany were placed under tight security on Wednesday after contaminants were discovered in the barracks water source at one location – the result of imaginable sabotage, the military said – and an intruder attempted to force entry. at a NATO base in the country.
On Wednesday morning, a hole was discovered in the fence near the drinking water source of the barracks of the German military base in Cologne-Wahn, North Rhine-Westphalia, according to an army official. This discovery caused the transient closure while the source was analyzed. The water had “unusual values,” the military said, without specifying what.
Later on Wednesday, NATO officials reported that a user attempted to force his way into the alliance’s base in Geilenkirchen, near the border with the Netherlands. He was placed on high alert but not locked down, according to a spokesperson. The water there was analyzed and considered normal. , he added.
Col. Arne Collatz, a spokesman for the German Defense Ministry, told reporters that it did not appear the two episodes were related.
The German base is close to Cologne Airport and houses medical and air facilities, as well as other elements of the Bundeswehr or German army. About 4,000 infantrymen and 1,500 civilians are working at the site.
Collatz did not disclose what effect, if any, the possible contaminant may have had on those who came into contact with it on the base. But a statement issued Wednesday by the army’s territorial command said it “wishes all members of the armed forces who were injured in the incident a speedy and full recovery. “
Sarah Maslin Nir is a Times reporter who covers anything in New York City. . . and beyond. Learn more about Sarah Maslin Nir
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