German police have opened a terrorism investigation after improvised explosive devices were discovered at an electricity substation in eastern Germany, adding to growing concern over possible attacks on critical infrastructure.
The devices were found on Tuesday at the Preilack substation, which supplies electricity from the nearby Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant. Police said there were no injuries following the incident.
Power network operator 50Hertz reported a brief interruption to electricity services after the incident. The company later confirmed that all affected lines had returned to operation.
Authorities are also examining a separate case at a substation in North Rhine-Westphalia. Some cables at the facility lost power, and investigators are treating the incident as possible sabotage.
Police said damage at the substation in Bergheim, near Cologne, appeared to have been caused deliberately. The investigation is part of a wider examination of incidents affecting important infrastructure across Germany.
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Germany, a strong supporter of Ukraine, has repeatedly accused Russia of conducting hybrid operations in Europe that include espionage and sabotage. The Kremlin has rejected the allegations.
German authorities have also been investigating suspicious drone activity around military and industrial locations. Concerns increased after an incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport on the night of August 4 to 5, when a drone discovered at the site was found to be carrying explosives.
Berlin said on Tuesday that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at the airport last month. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said an assessment of the incident was consistent with what German officials regard as a pattern of Russian hybrid activity in Europe.
The government has not publicly provided details showing who was responsible for the explosives discovered at the Preilack facility, and investigators have not announced whether the incident is linked to Russia.
The incidents have increased pressure on European governments to strengthen protection around energy, transport and industrial facilities.
The European Commission and NATO are responding to a series of suspected hybrid warfare incidents reported across Europe during the summer. Their leaders are meeting in Brussels as European countries seek closer cooperation on security threats that fall below the level of conventional military conflict.
For Germany, the investigations add another security challenge as it continues its political and military support for Ukraine. Officials are expected to maintain scrutiny of critical infrastructure and suspicious drone activity as investigations into the latest incidents continue.
