German military base under lockdown after suspected sabotage of water supply

A German military base in Cologne has been placed under lockdown following a suspected act of sabotage that may have contaminated its water supply, officials said on Wednesday.

The Cologne-Wahn barracks, which employs around 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilian staff, was sealed off as military authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

According to reports by Der Spiegel, the facility's personnel were instructed not to consume tap water due to fears of contamination.

The alert was raised after damage was discovered on the perimeter fence, suggesting a possible break-in.

The base, located near Cologne-Bonn Airport, is home to several command authorities and houses both military and civilian offices of the Bundeswehr.

It also hosts military aircraft used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz for international travel.

The incident is being investigated by police, military police, and the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD). The barracks have been cordoned off, and entry or exit from the site has been prohibited.

A spokesperson for the Territorial Command in Berlin told Reuters, "We have our reasons for taking this action, and we take the case seriously."

The base's water supply comes from an on-site waterworks, which is now a key focus of the investigation.

Security measures have been heightened, with soldiers instructed to report any suspicious activity and to challenge any unknown individuals seen within the barracks.