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This discovery caused the temporary confinement of the base while tests were carried out on the water source. NATO officials also reported that an intruder tried 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.
A gap in the fence was discovered on Wednesday morning near the drinking water fountain at the German military base barracks in Cologne-Wahn, North Rhine-Westphalia, according to an army official. This discovery caused the temporary closure. while analyzing the source. The water had “unusual values,” the military said, without specifying what.
Later on Wednesday, NATO officials reported that someone had tried to force access to 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 tested there turned out to be 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.
Col. Collatz did not disclose what effect, if any, the possible contaminant might have had on others who came into contact with him at the base. But a statement released Wednesday through the army’s territorial command said “we wish 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. . . and beyond. Learn more about Sarah Maslin Nir
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