Police and prosecutors in Saxony announced Monday that a joint operation has neutralized a total of 21 explosive devices discovered near high‑voltage power lines south of the Graustein substation in the Goerlitz district. The devices, described as homemade, were found over the weekend and were safely defused by specialized bomb‑disposal units.
Investigation and broader context
The latest finds bring the overall count of suspicious devices linked to recent sabotage incidents on Germany’s electricity grid to 21, officials said in a joint statement. The investigation follows a series of attacks that have kept German authorities on heightened alert for several days, including a drone strike on the Leipzig/Halle substation in August that the German government formally attributed to Russian actors.
German police also disclosed that they are searching for a man who sent letters claiming responsibility for the sabotage wave. The letters were sent after investigators recovered what appeared to be explosives at the suspect’s residence. The individual remains at large.
Related incidents
Earlier on Monday, a fire at a transformer substation in Berlin was initially suspected to be part of the sabotage pattern. However, Spiegel, citing Police Commissioner Barbara Slowik Meisel, reported that technical failure, not deliberate sabotage, caused the blaze.
In a separate development, police in the western city of Wesel have begun a major assessment after the security fence surrounding another transformer substation was found cut open, raising further concerns about the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure.
Authorities’ response
State and federal officials emphasized the importance of protecting the power grid, which is deemed essential for both civilian life and the economy. The rapid defusal of the devices demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law‑enforcement efforts and the readiness of bomb‑disposal teams to respond to emerging threats.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Saxony’s interior ministry has pledged to increase surveillance of critical infrastructure sites and to work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further incidents.
What residents can do
Authorities urge citizens to report any suspicious activity near power facilities, such as unusual markings, unfamiliar vehicles, or tampered fences. A hotline has been established for anonymous tips, and local police stress that community vigilance is a key component of safeguarding the grid.
As the investigation continues, officials will provide updates on any new findings and on the status of the search for the individual who claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
