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US Nuclear Weapons in Germany Raise Security Questions Amid Rising Global Tensions

Published

9 months ago

November 12, 2025

As the Bundeswehr marks its 70th anniversary in Berlin, the celebration is shadowed by growing anxiety over Germany’s security. Around 20 US nuclear weapons are currently stored in the country—modernised, ready for use, and symbolic of Washington’s longstanding commitment to Europe’s defence. Yet experts warn that this deterrent may not guarantee protection if the United States hesitates to act in a crisis.

The weapons, believed to be B61-12 hydrogen bombs stored at Büchel Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, can be deployed by fighter jets such as the Eurofighter. Their destructive capacity remains immense. The bombs form part of the US nuclear umbrella extended to NATO allies since the Cold War, but concerns have deepened over the reliability of that shield under President Donald Trump, who has questioned aspects of NATO’s mutual defence commitments.

“It has never been and cannot be certain that the US will actually deploy nuclear weapons. It is not a guarantee. But the important thing is that the enemy cannot rule it out,” said political scientist and security expert Karl-Heinz Kamp, a former president of the Federal Academy for Security Policy and an associate fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations. “Deterrence is pure speculation. It has held up so far, for 50 years.”

Reports from several US media outlets suggest that the United States brought new nuclear weapons to Europe over the summer, with signs including flight paths and the delivery of F-35 fighter jets designed to carry tactical nuclear weapons. Germany has also ordered a fleet of F-35s, expected to arrive in 2026.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, nuclear deterrence has returned to the forefront of European security debates. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly brandished nuclear threats, touting his arsenal of about 5,500 warheads and showcasing intercontinental missiles such as the RS-24 “Yars.” Kamp noted that while Putin uses nuclear rhetoric as a political tool, actual deployment remains unlikely. “Whoever shoots first, dies second. That is not a desirable state of affairs,” he said.

Still, questions persist about whether US nuclear weapons in Germany could be relocated to NATO’s eastern flank, including the Baltic states, Poland, or Romania, as a stronger warning to Moscow. Kamp acknowledged this possibility, calling such a move a potential “signal to Russia.”

Anti-nuclear groups, including ICAN Germany, continue to demand the withdrawal of US weapons from German territory, arguing that they make the country a target rather than a protectorate.

While some analysts argue that Germany could technically produce its own nuclear arsenal, Kamp described the idea as politically untenable given Germany’s post-war commitments. The nation is bound by the 1990 Two Plus Four Treaty and the 1969 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, both of which prohibit it from developing nuclear weapons.

Public opinion also stands firmly against the idea. Only about a third of Germans support developing domestic nuclear arms. For now, Germany’s security remains anchored within NATO, protected not only by the United States but also by the nuclear capabilities of France and the United Kingdom.

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WHO Warns Congo Ebola Outbreak Could Surpass West Africa’s Deadliest Epidemic

Published

6 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Web Reporter

The World Health Organization has warned that an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading so rapidly that it could surpass the devastating West African epidemic of 2014 to 2016, which killed more than 11,000 people.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday that the current outbreak had already killed more than 2,000 people among over 4,300 reported cases. He warned that the outbreak is advancing faster than health authorities can contain it.

“At its current pace, it’s on track to eclipse the West African Ebola outbreak of 2014 to 2016,” Tedros told reporters.

The West African epidemic, which affected countries including Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, recorded at least 28,000 cases and took about eight months to reach 1,000 deaths. The speed of the current outbreak has raised serious concerns among health officials and international agencies.

The Congo outbreak was officially declared on May 15, but genetic sequencing later showed that the virus had been circulating since February. This earlier start has complicated efforts to trace infections and establish effective control measures.

The outbreak is concentrated in eastern Congo, where conflict, poor infrastructure and limited healthcare capacity have made the response more difficult. The affected region lies close to the borders with South Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda.

Many new cases and deaths are being recorded in communities that are difficult for health workers to reach. Medical facilities in some areas lack equipment and resources, while some health workers have reportedly stopped working because of unpaid wages.

Misinformation has also created obstacles. Health officials say some communities remain suspicious of outsiders and are reluctant to visit clinics, making it harder to identify cases and prevent further transmission.

“The outbreak had a big head start, still way ahead of us, and we’re playing catch-up,” Tedros said.

Dr Abdirahman Mahamud, WHO director for health emergency alert and response operations, said the agency expects the outbreak to reach its peak within six months under a moderate scenario. He warned that the outbreak could continue for nine to 12 months under a more severe scenario.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola strain for which no approved vaccine or treatment is currently available. Clinical trials of two potential treatments began last month in Ituri, the province reporting the highest number of cases.

News

DNA Traces Found on Explosive Drone Near Ukrainian Aircraft in Germany

Published

2 days ago

August 11, 2026

Web Reporter

Investigators examining an explosive-laden drone discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport have found DNA traces that may connect the incident to a 2024 parcel bomb case, according to German media reports.

The drone was discovered on August 5 after reportedly striking an Antonov Airlines cargo aircraft at the airport. The aircraft was carrying ammunition destined for Ukraine, according to reports. The incident disrupted airport operations and raised concerns about a possible attack on aviation infrastructure.

Die Zeit reported that security camera footage showed the drone flying toward the Ukrainian aircraft at about 7:30pm before hitting its wing. The device reportedly contained Semtex and a detonator, but the explosives did not detonate when the drone struck the aircraft.

According to Bild, the drone hit the aircraft close to its fuel tank. The explosives apparently separated from the drone and landed some distance away.

The drone was not detected by airport security systems later that evening, according to the reports. An airport bus driver reportedly discovered it about four hours after the collision and stepped on the device before authorities were alerted.

Investigators later recovered DNA material from the drone. Bild and Die Zeit reported that the DNA produced a match in a European database, with the trail reportedly pointing toward Lithuania. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect.

The DNA is also reportedly being compared with evidence from a July 2024 arson and parcel bomb case involving a DHL logistics facility at Leipzig Airport.

The 2024 incident involved an explosive package that detonated on the ground after a DHL aircraft carrying it was delayed. Several suspects have been on trial in Vilnius since spring over allegations linked to the attack.

Lithuanian prosecutors have accused individuals of terrorism and sabotage carried out on behalf of a foreign power. They have said improvised explosive attacks were organised and coordinated by Russian citizens allegedly connected to Russian military intelligence.

European authorities have previously linked a wider 2024 campaign involving suspicious parcels to Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. The alleged targets included Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the latest Leipzig incident on suspicion of attempting to detonate an explosive device and endangering air traffic.

German officials have so far avoided directly accusing Russia of involvement. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt referred to the possible role of foreign powers.

The Kremlin has denied responsibility. The Russian embassy in Berlin described the incident as a provocation against Moscow and accused Germany of encouraging anti-Russian sentiment.

Investigators are continuing to examine the drone, DNA evidence and possible links to the earlier attacks before drawing conclusions about those responsible.

News

Senate Confirms Trump’s Former Lawyer Todd Blanche as US Attorney General

Published

4 days ago

August 9, 2026

Web Reporter

The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving President Donald Trump a close political and legal ally at the head of the Justice Department and renewing concerns about the agency’s independence from the White House.

Blanche, who previously represented Trump as a private lawyer in several criminal cases, was approved by the Republican-controlled Senate early Saturday by 50 votes to 49. Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing the nomination.

He had already been serving as acting attorney general since Trump dismissed Pam Bondi in April.

The confirmation places Blanche in charge of the Justice Department at a time when the administration faces criticism over its approach to federal law enforcement and investigations involving Trump’s political opponents.

Blanche said he was “deeply honored” by Trump’s confidence in him and thanked Senate members and Justice Department employees following the vote.

Trump has described Blanche as a “star” and has sought greater control over federal agencies that have traditionally maintained a degree of independence from the presidency.

Democrats strongly opposed Blanche’s nomination, arguing that his previous role as Trump’s personal attorney created a conflict with the responsibilities of attorney general.

Senator Dick Durbin, the leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said during the confirmation process that the attorney general should represent the public rather than serve the interests of the president.

The nomination also faced resistance from some Republicans over proposals associated with Blanche and the Trump administration.

One disputed measure involved a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate people whom Trump described as victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Critics argued that the proposal could benefit individuals prosecuted over the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Another controversy involved a proposal concerning tax audits of Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization.

Blanche sought to ease Republican concerns by issuing a written order scrapping the proposed political “anti-weaponization fund.” He also said the tax audit arrangement would apply only to previous tax years and not future filings.

Since becoming acting attorney general, Blanche has faced criticism over the administration’s efforts to investigate individuals and institutions viewed as political opponents.

He has also faced scrutiny over the Justice Department’s handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including concerns raised by some victims about the release of investigative material.

Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche represented Trump in his New York criminal case involving payments to adult-film performer Stormy Daniels. He also served on Trump’s legal teams in federal cases concerning classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Both federal cases were dropped after Trump returned to the White House following the 2024 election.

Blanche’s confirmation now gives Trump a confirmed attorney general closely familiar with his legal and political priorities, intensifying debate over the future independence of the Justice Department.