Security was stepped up temporarily at a NATO air base in Germany because of a ‘potential threat’

BERLIN (AP) — NATO says security at an air base in western Germany was raised temporarily because of intelligence information pointing to a “potential threat.” But later the level was reduced again. The Geilenkirchen air base is near the border with the Netherlands. The base is where the alliance’s Airborne Warning and Control System or AWACS surveillance aircraft are stationed. There was no word on the nature of the potential threat Thursday night. But all staff not essential to missions were sent home as a precaution. The NATO AWACS fleet said on Friday afternoon that the security level had returned to its previous level.