Sabotage attack with improvised explosive devices near German coal plant damages lines, briefly interrupts power; investigation launched

Improvised explosive devices were deployed in a sabotage attack near the Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant in Germany on September 1, damaging several electricity lines and causing a brief power interruption. The attack occurred around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) at the Preilack substation, which distributes power from the plant.¹²³

According to a police spokeswoman, at least one device detonated while others failed to activate, resulting in no injuries and no major blackout in the area, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Berlin. The power plant operator, LEAG, labeled the incident as an "attack" and noted a subsequent "technical failure" in one of its units, which is under investigation for possible connections to the explosion.⁴⁵⁸⁹

Grid operator 50Hertz confirmed that unidentified perpetrators had damaged several lines in its grid, leading to a brief service interruption. However, they assured that all lines were restored and the general power supply remained unaffected.⁶⁷

The police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack, which is part of a concerning trend of sabotage incidents in the region. Berlin, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, is on high alert for potential sabotage linked to Russia. Officials emphasized the seriousness of attacks on critical infrastructure, stating, "Anyone who tries to sabotage our critical infrastructure and paralyse society is attacking all of us."

This incident follows a series of arson attacks in the area, with far-left militants often claiming responsibility, including a significant blackout in January that affected tens of thousands of homes and businesses.