Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal have revealed a covert Russian operation involving incendiary devices that were discovered in Germany and the United Kingdom in July. These devices were intended to start fires aboard cargo and passenger flights heading to the US and Canada, according to Western security officials.
In July, explosions caused by these devices occurred at DHL logistics hubs in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, UK, prompting an urgent search for suspects. DHL Express acknowledged being aware of the incidents and stated they are cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
The incendiary devices, disguised as electric massagers and containing a magnesium-based flammable substance, were reportedly sent from Lithuania to the UK. The Wall Street Journal reported that these incidents may have been a test run to explore methods of getting such devices onto planes bound for North America.
Despite Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissing the reports as 'unintelligible hoaxes,' Polish authorities have arrested four individuals suspected of involvement in international sabotage. The suspects are believed to be part of a sabotage group that sent parcels containing camouflaged explosives to the UK and other European Union countries, with the ultimate goal of targeting the US and Canada.
While a US government official stated that there is currently no active threat targeting US-bound flights, UK counter-terrorism police are actively investigating the incident in Birmingham. The police are working with European law enforcement partners to determine if similar incidents are connected across Europe.
Reports suggest that Russia has been conducting a sabotage operation across NATO member states for over six months, targeting supply lines for Ukraine. Security officials warn of a growing threat as Russian agents recruit local individuals to carry out high-risk crimes on their behalf.
