Germany’s state prosecutor and police in the eastern state of Saxony announced on Monday (September 7) that they had discovered and dismantled 21 homemade explosive devices in the investigation of a series of attacks on power facilities. Authorities have been on high alert in response to these incidents.
The recent string of attacks on the power grid in Germany has raised concerns about Russia potentially expanding its “Hybrid Warfare” and shadow war tactics in Europe.
According to a joint statement from Reuters and local German authorities, investigators found 9 homemade explosive devices near high-voltage power lines south of the Graustein substation in Görlitz, eastern Germany over the weekend, bringing the total found in Saxony to 21. These devices were believed to be intended to disrupt the high-voltage lines through a short circuit method, but no actual damage or power outages occurred as special forces safely dismantled all devices.
Last Friday (September 4), German police stated that a man had claimed responsibility for multiple recent attacks on the power grid through a letter. Suspected explosive-related materials were found at the man’s residence, and he is currently on the run with authorities issuing a warrant for his arrest.
Earlier on Monday, a fire broke out at a substation in Berlin. According to the German publication Der Spiegel citing Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik, preliminary investigations indicate it was caused by a technical malfunction rather than intentional sabotage.
As reported by Bild, police in the western city of Wesel discovered cut security fencing around a substation and have initiated a risk assessment.
Recent suspected attacks on power infrastructure in Germany have sparked concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. Some incidents have occurred in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia, among other areas.
In early August, an unmanned drone carrying explosives was found near Leipzig-Halle Airport. German authorities officially confirmed on September 1 that the attempted drone attack was orchestrated by Russia, following a pattern of “hybrid actions” carried out by Russia in Europe.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated during a press conference on the drone incident that Russia has long been destabilizing Europe through disinformation, threats, and sabotage, with the current Russian leadership displaying “open hostility” towards Germany.
In response, Germany has decided to close the Russian consulate general in Bonn starting September 18, terminate the contract with the Berlin-based cultural institution “Russian House,” strengthen entry checks for Russian citizens, and increase efforts to counter the Russian “shadow fleet.”
The investigation into the power grid sabotage incidents is ongoing, with police seeking information from the public.
The European Union had previously warned that Russia might employ “Hybrid Warfare” tactics against member states, including Germany, involving intentional damage to infrastructure, information manipulation and interference, cyberattacks, and other covert or coercive actions.