NATO Troops Stationed in Germany Raise Alert Level... "Potential Threat Intelligence and Non-Essential Personnel Sent Home"

Base in Operation of E-3A and 1,200 Personnel Stationed

The NATO air force unit stationed in Germany has raised its alert level.

The NATO base in Geilenkirchen, western Germany, announced on the 22nd (local time) that it raised its alert level to Charlie and sent some personnel home. About 1,200 NATO personnel operate the E-3A early warning control aircraft at this base.

Charlie is the second highest of the four alert levels. It is issued when a specific incident has occurred or terrorist intelligence has been received. The highest alert level, Delta, is declared when a terrorist attack has occurred or is imminent.

NATO Base in Geilenkirchen, Germany
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The unit stated on X (formerly Twitter), "We raised the alert level based on intelligence indicating a potential threat," and "Personnel not essential to operations were sent home as a precaution. The safety of our staff is our top priority." However, they did not disclose the specific reason for raising the alert level.

This base was temporarily closed on the 14th after signs of sabotage related to drinking water were discovered. German prosecutors announced yesterday that they are investigating several drones conducting nighttime reconnaissance over the chemical and petroleum industrial complex near Flensburg, close to the Danish border, on suspicion of espionage. The drones have been observed since early this month.