“At the moment we are still at alert state Charlie,” Donny
Demmers, a spokesman for NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen said, noting that the
security situation is being closely monitored.
Security
alert “Charlie” is implemented at NATO bases when there is an incident or
intelligence suggests a likely terrorist action or targeting of personnel or
facilities.
The airbase heightened its security level on Thursday based
on intelligence indicating a potential threat.
“All non-mission essential personnel have been sent home as
a precautionary measure. The safety of our staff is a top priority. Our
critical operations will continue as planned,” Demmers said.
The
Geilenkirchen base, near the western city of Aachen, houses NATO’s AWACS
surveillance aircraft, which provide air and sea surveillance and serve as a
flying command center in combat operations.
In recent years, NATO AWACS aircraft have conducted hundreds
of flights over Eastern Europe to monitor Russian military activity near the
alliance’s borders.
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