Germany news: Explosive device found near power plant
German police deployed a major operation in the Hambach Forest near Kerpen west of Cologne to search for a 48-year-old suspect linked to infrastructure sabotage. Authorities discovered nine more homemade explosive devices near high-voltage transmission lines south of the area, bringing the total number of found devices to 21 following attempted attacks on the power grid in eastern Saxony. Investigators now name a 48-year-old activist as their main suspect. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of seeking another war and dismissed Berlin allegations.
What changed
Police launched a major operation in the Hambach Forest and discovered nine additional explosive devices near power lines.
Live updates
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German Police Search Hambach Forest as More Explosive Devices Found
German police deployed a major operation in the Hambach Forest near Kerpen west of Cologne to search for a 48-year-old suspect linked to infrastructure sabotage. Authorities discovered nine more homemade explosive devices near high-voltage transmission lines south of the area, bringing the total number of found devices to 21 following attempted attacks on the power grid in eastern Saxony. Investigators now name a 48-year-old activist as their main suspect. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of seeking another war and dismissed Berlin allegations.
Why it matters
The discoveries follow a wave of simultaneous hybrid attacks targeting airports, power grids, and defense firms across the country as state elections approach. Ministers previously believed the suspect was a militant climate activist, though intelligence officials and defence officials have warned about hybrid warfare tactics. Concurrently, experts note a lack of concrete evidence linking Moscow to separate drone incidents at Leipzig Airport.
What is confirmed
- Police deployed a major operation in the Hambach Forest near Kerpen, west of Cologne, to search for the suspect.
- Police discovered nine more homemade explosive devices in the immediate vicinity of high-voltage transmission lines.
- Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of seeking another war and dismissed Berlin allegations.
Still unconfirmed
- Europe is losing the battle to stop Putin's hybrid war.
What to watch next
- The apprehension of the 48-year-old suspect in the Hambach Forest manhunt.
- Further discoveries of explosive devices or additional attacks on the German power grid.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
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- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — 'Start of real war': Russia accuses Germany of Nazism, rejects drone accusations
- jg-tc.com — 100th birthday of World War II vet George Morris of Mattoon to be celebrated
- www.marketscreener.com — Power sabotage: Manhunt in the Hambach Forest
- tass.com — Germany accusing Russia without evidence in Leipzig UAV incident — expert
- www.marketscreener.com — 21 Explosive devices discovered and defused at power lines
- www.bluewin.ch — 21 Explosive Devices Discovered on Power Lines in Germany
- www.dailymail.com — Europe is losing battle to stop Putin's 'hybrid' war, intelligence officials warn as Germany opens sabotage probe after another substation fire
- brusselssignal.eu — German power grid sabotage points to climate extremist, not Russia
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German Police Hunt Suspect in Grid Sabotage Wave
German federal authorities are conducting a Europe-wide manhunt for a 48-year-old suspect linked to a wave of infrastructure sabotage. Utility provider RWE confirmed that launch devices were discovered near high-voltage lines and a transformer station south of Duesseldorf on Friday. These incidents follow earlier attacks and the discovery of homemade rocket devices equipped with timers near substations. Ministers believe the suspect is a militant climate activist. Simultaneous hybrid attacks have targeted airports, power grids, and defense firms across the country as state elections approach, prompting heightened security alerts.
Why it matters
Federal police have recorded hundreds of suspected hybrid attacks this year, including major events reported since Tuesday. Investigators suspect these coordinated strikes aim to disrupt support for Ukraine. The latest grid sabotage attempt occurred in western Germany, while related police operations also took place in eastern Saxony.
What is confirmed
- German police have launched a Europe-wide manhunt for a 48-year-old suspect.
- Utility RWE stated that launch devices were found near high-voltage lines and a transformer station south of Duesseldorf on Friday.
- Authorities believe a militant climate activist is behind the sabotage attacks on the power grid.
Still unconfirmed
- Simultaneous strikes on airports, power grids, and defense firms aim to disrupt Ukraine support.
What to watch next
- Developments in the Europe-wide manhunt for the 48-year-old suspect
- Official findings from ongoing police operations in Saxony and western Germany
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.thelocal.de — 'Daily target': What we know so far about intensifying hybrid attacks on Germany
- www.chosun.com — Russia's Hybrid Warfare Targets Germany's Infrastructure
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Third German grid sabotage attempt as state election looms
- united24media.com — Germany’s Suspected Power Grid Attack Devices Found, but Timers Never Triggered
- www.yahoo.com — German police launch manhunt for suspect behind infrastructure attacks
- www.express.co.uk — Panic in Germany as explosives found at substations in suspected sabotage attack
- www.rte.ie — Germany power grid sabotage suspect is climate activist - minister
- www.yahoo.com — More sabotage feared amid police operation in eastern Germany
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Germany Launches Terror Probes After Power Grid Attacks
German police have opened terrorism investigations following attacks on the country's power grid. The incidents include an attack on a second power plant and the discovery of an explosive device near a power plant. In Brandenburg, rockets were fired at a substation in a suspected attack, while other explosive devices caused damage to power lines near a coal plant. Authorities are treating these coordinated strikes on energy infrastructure as potential acts of terrorism.
Why it matters
Attacks on critical energy infrastructure can threaten national security and stability. These events target the physical reliability of the German power grid. The shift to terror investigations suggests authorities suspect organized intent rather than isolated accidents.
What is confirmed
- German police have launched terrorism investigations into attacks on the power grid.
- An explosive device was found near a power plant.
Still unconfirmed
- Explosive devices damaged power lines near a German coal plant.
What to watch next
- Official reports on the extent of the damage to the national power grid.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (7)
- Euronews.com — Rockets fired at substation in Brandenburg in suspected attack
- dw.com — Germany news: Explosive device found near power plant
- South China Morning Post — Explosive devices damage power lines near German coal plant
- The Telegraph — Germany opens terror investigation after attack on second power plant
- Le Monde.fr — German police launch terror probes on power grid attacks
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