The German military has initiated an investigation into a suspected poisoning incident at a key base near Cologne.
On Wednesday, the Bundeswehr barracks in Cologne-Wahn was completely sealed off due to an ongoing probe by German counterintelligence. The investigation stemmed from a suspected break-in that led to the tampering of the water supply.
In a statement from German Territorial Command, it was revealed that guards discovered a breach in the base’s fence next to the water-processing facility. A search of the area ensued, but no intruders were found. Currently, there’s no information regarding who may have gained access or their intentions.
According to the Territorial Command, “the water supply was interrupted due to unusual values in the drinking-water system.” Consequently, they prohibited both soldiers and civilians from using the water, as reported by German news outlet Spiegel.
The base, accommodating 4,300 troops and over a thousand civilian staff, reopened later that afternoon after the search concluded. This facility also supports military flights for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other officials.
In light of the incident, personnel at the base have been instructed to monitor their surroundings for any unfamiliar individuals and report suspicious activities.
This base plays a crucial role in Germany’s ongoing support for Ukraine amidst the war with Russia. Ukrainian soldiers regularly transit through the air base as they travel to and from Poland.
Germany continues to be one of Europe’s largest backers of Ukraine, most recently approving the use of weapons and equipment as part of the nation’s military efforts. Earlier this year, the German government announced a substantial $542 million arms package, including ammunition for the IRIS-T air-defense system to counter Russian aerial assaults.
In May, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to aiding Ukraine in its defensive efforts. Other NATO allies have also shown support, with the UK contributing a $618 million package focusing on precision-guided missiles, and Spain supplying Leopard tanks through a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.