Germany is grappling with a second reported sabotage incident aimed at its electricity infrastructure. Local police announced on Wednesday that they are investigating an attack on a substation in the city of Bergheim, located in the western part of the country, according to reports.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the act of vandalism occurred on Tuesday at 18:00 GMT (21:00 local time), but reassured the public that the local power supply was not disrupted.
The spokesperson did not provide details on the extent of the damages incurred.
Electricity Network Sabotage in Brandenburg
Earlier on the same day, a separate act of sabotage targeted the electricity network in Brandenburg, situated in eastern Germany. Unexploded incendiary devices damaged power lines, as stated by the region’s interior minister.
The Turnow-Preilack substation is a critical high-voltage hub in the area, linking the largest power plant in Brandenburg, Jaenschwalde, to the 50Hertz transmission network.
Missiles carrying conductive materials were launched at high-voltage lines, resulting in two short circuits, according to Minister Jan Redmann during a press conference.
He noted that authorities were conducting on-site searches, with the number of devices discovered already in the dozens and continuing to rise.
Redmann did not rule out the possibility that foreign powers could be behind the attacks, nor dismissed the potential involvement of leftist activists known for previous strikes on energy facilities.
Russia Blamed for Leipzig Airport Incident
The German government announced on Tuesday that it has concluded that Russia is responsible for a drone attack attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month and has implemented several measures in response, including the closure of a Russian consulate and cultural center in Berlin.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated that intelligence information suggests those involved in the attack acted on behalf of Russian state agencies.
“Taken together, police investigations, crime patterns, and intelligence conclusions establish Russia’s responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport,” he stated.
This announcement comes at a politically sensitive time in Germany, as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has advocated for closer ties with Moscow, leads in regional election polls.
Together with Dobrindt, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul asserted that Germany does not view the Leipzig incident as an isolated case.
“It fits into a broader context of Russian hybrid operations in Europe,” he noted.
