Germany: 12 improvised explosive devices found near electricity transmission substations
Dangerous explosive objects have been discovered in Germany near two electricity transmission substations. Police are investigating possible connections to earlier acts of sabotage this week.
Explosives found near German substations; police seek suspect
TVNET reports that German police announced on Saturday two further discoveries of explosive devices near electricity transmission substations, with authorities investigating whether these incidents are linked to similar events at the beginning of this week.
Following a tip-off from a resident on Friday, 12 improvised explosive devices were discovered near high-voltage lines close to substations near Baucen and Gerlica. Police experts neutralised the devices, and surrounding electricity transmission lines were briefly switched off during the operation.
Germany has experienced attacks on several electricity transmission substations across the country this week. According to authorities' assessment, the attacks appear aimed at cutting off electricity supply from coal-fired power stations and causing widespread supply disruptions. Police believe climate extremists are most likely behind the incidents.
A 48-year-old man from Gefelsbergen has claimed responsibility for previous acts of sabotage in two letters. He has stated that he wanted to draw attention to electricity production from fossil fuels, which he himself describes as a crime. German police are searching for this man and have conducted a search at a property in his hometown of Gefelsbergen.
On Friday, the newspaper Bild reported that a heavily armed police special unit in North Rhine-Westphalia checked a lorry in Hambach Forest because there were suspicions it belonged to the suspect — however they were unable to detain him. Hambach Forest territory in Germany is symbolically significant to the climate activism movement: activists have protested for years against plans to clear forest sections to expand a nearby coal mine.
Source: TVNET