Explosive devices found at electrical substations in Görlitz district on Poland border
German police are conducting an operation in eastern Saxony following the discovery of explosive devices at two power stations in Görlitz district.
Explosive devices at energy infrastructure in Saxony
According to Interia, explosive or incendiary devices were found on Friday at two electrical power stations in Görlitz district in eastern Saxony. The devices were said to have been placed on overhead power lines, and investigators suspect they were being prepared for attacks on energy infrastructure.
Police in Görlitz confirmed an ongoing operation north of Bautzen, declining to provide details. "For tactical reasons we cannot comment on this matter," said spokesperson Anja Leuschner, quoted by German media.
According to the newspaper Bild, both installations are located at the border between Saxony and Brandenburg, in the Lusatian Coal Basin region. In this area, the LEAG group mines brown coal and supplies it to the Boxberg and Jänschwalde power plants. Local newspaper Lausitzer Rundschau reported that operations are being conducted in the Weißwasser and Boxberg area — in the northern part of Görlitz district, which directly borders Poland.
Series of incidents around Jänschwalde power plant
The matter is part of a broader sequence of events. In Turnow-Preilack in Brandenburg, near the Jänschwalde power plant, more than 20 improvised devices resembling rockets, aimed at high-voltage power lines, were previously discovered. They were intended to carry conductive material onto the wires and cause short circuits. Two short circuits did occur, although they did not interrupt power supplies to residents.
Brandenburg police have launched proceedings, including for causing an explosion, disrupting the operation of public enterprises, and — at this stage of the investigation — suspicion of forming a terrorist organisation. An investigation is underway for a 48-year-old man from Gevelsberg. Traces of explosive materials were found in his apartment.
Investigators authenticated a letter in which the author admitted to attempted attacks on the power network. He cited as his motive opposition to the use of fossil fuels, the arms industry, and Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
Debate over critical infrastructure security
Successive incidents have sparked discussion in Germany about the protection of critical infrastructure. Brandenburg has announced the establishment of a special security centre. Despite attacks so far, there has been no large-scale interruption in electricity supplies, although the example of Bergheim showed that relatively simple constructions can cause serious disruptions to the functioning of the energy system. German police have not yet officially confirmed the nature or number of devices found in Görlitz district.
Source: Interia