The German military base Köln-Wahn has been cordoned off due to suspected sabotage, reports the newspaper Der Spiegel. Initially, a hole was discovered in the fence surrounding the facility, and then suspicions arose that the drinking water might be contaminated.
According to information from the local newspaper Kölner Stadtanzeiger, water samples have been taken that show "abnormal values". Personnel are being advised not to drink the water and are not allowed to leave the area.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense says in a statement that they suspect illegal intrusion and sabotage. The military base was cordoned off during the night and morning, as it was suspected that the saboteur might be on the premises. By lunchtime, the gates were reopened, as no suspect was found.
On Wednesday afternoon, the NATO base Geilenkirchen, also located in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, was cordoned off due to suspicions that the drinking water there had also been contaminated.
4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilians are employed at the airbase Köln-Wahn, which is located near Köln-Bonn Airport.
