Explosives used in sabotage attack on German power lines

Improvised explosive devices damaged electricity lines near a coal-fired power plant in eastern Germany on Tuesday, causing a brief interruption to service but no major blackout.

Police found several makeshift bombs around 8 a.m. at the Preilack substation, which distributes power from the nearby Jaenschwalde plant, a police spokeswoman told AFP. At least one device exploded, while others failed to detonate. No one was injured.

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an attack was carried out

Plant operator LEAG said an attack had taken place at the substation. It also reported a technical failure at one plant unit and said investigators were examining whether the two incidents were connected. Grid operator 50Hertz said unidentified perpetrators had damaged several lines, all of which had returned to operation.

Police opened an investigation into those responsible. The incident comes after several arson attacks in and around Berlin, including a January attack claimed by the far-left Vulkangruppe that cut power to tens of thousands of homes and thousands of businesses for nearly a week. The group also claimed responsibility for sabotage targeting a Tesla factory near Berlin. Germany has heightened its alert for sabotage and espionage linked to Moscow because of its support for Ukraine.

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There was a brief interruption of service. All lines are now back in operation. The general power supply is currently not affected.