Russia planned to carry out a sabotage operation using drones to attack a NATO airbase located in Geilenkirchen, Germany, according to German intelligence sources who spoke to the German News Agency (DPA).
This NATO facility, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, was targeted, causing serious concern in international security circles
Last week, NATO’s Geilenkirchen-Teveren air base was put on “Charlie” status, the second-highest level of combat readiness, as a precautionary measure after the US Secret Service warned of a possible attack.
Intelligence indicated that a drone attack on the base was possible.
For undisclosed reasons, Russia withdrew its plan. Because of this, security measures were downgraded to “Bravo+” on Friday.
German intelligence sources confirmed that serious directives had been received from the intelligence service indicating “preparatory actions for probable Russian sabotage against a NATO base, including the use of drones.”
NATO has been using Geilenkirchen since 1980 and uses it as a base for its reconnaissance aircraft.
Geilenkirchen is home to 14 Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft, equipped with long-range radar and sensors capable of detecting air and surface targets at long distances.
The E-3A aircraft can operate at altitudes of 9,150 meters, covering a surveillance area of more than 300,000 square kilometers.
