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This discovery led to the transient containment of the base while the water source was analyzed. NATO officials also reported that an intruder had tried to force their way into one of the alliance’s bases in the country.
By Sarah Maslin Nir
Reporting from Berlin
Two military bases in Germany were placed under tight security on Wednesday after contaminants were discovered in the water source of one location’s barracks – the result of imaginable sabotage, the army said – and an intruder tried to force their way into 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 tried to forcibly enter the alliance’s base in Geilenkirchen, near the border with the Netherlands. It was put on high alert but not closed, according to a spokesman. 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 is home to the air force and medical facilities, as well as other elements of the Bundeswehr, the German army. Between 4,000 and 1,500 civilians are hired 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 covering everything in New York. . . and beyond. More information about Sarah Maslin Nir
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