A German military base in Cologne has been put under lockdown following a suspected act of sabotage that may have compromised its water supply, officials reported on Wednesday.
The Cologne-Wahn barracks, which houses approximately 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilian staff, has been sealed off as military authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.
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According to Der Spiegel, personnel at the facility have been advised against consuming tap water due to contamination concerns. The alert was triggered after damage was found on the perimeter fence, indicating a possible break-in.
Located near Cologne-Bonn Airport, the base is home to various command authorities and hosts both military and civilian offices of the Bundeswehr. It also serves as a base for military aircraft used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz during international travel.
The incident is being investigated by police, military police, and the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD). The barracks are cordoned off, and entry or exit from the site is currently prohibited.
A spokesperson for the Territorial Command in Berlin stated to Reuters, “We have our reasons for taking this action, and we take the case seriously.”
The base’s water supply, sourced from an on-site waterworks, has become a focal point of the investigation. Security measures have been intensified, with soldiers instructed to report any suspicious activity and challenge any unfamiliar individuals within the barracks.
