Alarm in eastern Saxony as 12 explosive devices found near high-voltage lines

Twelve improvised explosive devices were found near high-voltage power lines in eastern Saxony in a new suspected sabotage attempt against Germany’s energy infrastructure.

According to German security authorities, the devices had been placed to cause short circuits and damage the power grid. Experts from Saxony’s State Criminal Police Office defused them. The attempt caused no damage or electricity outages, and authorities said the public was not at risk.

The devices were discovered at two locations in Lusatia: south of the Bärwalde substation near Lippen, and east of the Graustein substation near Schleife. The region, in eastern Germany near the Brandenburg border, has a strong lignite industry presence.

Investigators suspect attempted explosions, an effort to disrupt public services and attempted unconstitutional sabotage. The police operation began on Friday after information was shared among several agencies and a tip from a member of the public proved decisive.

Authorities are examining whether the case is connected to similar incidents reported in recent days in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia. Saxon security services are working with authorities in the other states involved. The operation remains under way, with officials continuing to search the electricity infrastructure for additional devices and asking residents to submit photographs, videos or other information about people or vehicles seen near the lines.