GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany — The security alert level for the NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen in western Germany has been lowered again on Friday, less than 24 hours after authorities tightened security at the base following intelligence reports of a potential threat.
The security alert level at the air base had been raised to Charlie – the second-highest level – on Thursday as a precaution, but was lowered back to the Bravo+ level on Friday afternoon, according to a spokesman for the air base.
That means that security precautions at the airfield have returned to the same level that has been in place since the start of Russia‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The air base spokesman said only that the decision to raise the security level on Thursday evening was based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat.
In NATO terms, security level Charlie means that there has been an incident or that there is evidence suggesting a high likelihood of terrorist action against the alliance.
He again declined to provide any further information about the nature or circumstances surrounding the increased security.
He did, however, reject speculation about possible drone overflights at the air base: “That’s absurd.”
Flying over the base is prohibited for unauthorized aircraft and the airspace is closely monitored. “Nothing has flown over here,” Brett said.
As a precautionary measure, many of the 1,600 employees at the base were sent home…
