Jänschwalde: Brandenburg police investigate suspected terrorism after substation attack

A substation near the Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant in southern Brandenburg came under attack after more than a dozen rocket-like devices were apparently used to interfere with the electricity infrastructure. Only one reached its target, according to Brandenburg Interior Minister Jan Redmann.

The incident at Turnow-Preilack on Tuesday morning caused two severe short circuits on high-voltage lines and briefly interrupted transmission. Police are investigating possible disruption of public services, an explosive incident, destruction of important equipment and the formation of a terrorist organisation.

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We were damn lucky.

Investigators remained at the site searching for further evidence, with road closures in place. Police were also examining whether the incident was connected to a similar case in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Redmann told the state parliament’s interior committee that authorities had been “damn lucky.” He said one projectile managed to carry a cable to the high-voltage line, creating a conductive connection to the ground. The minister said the devices required substantial technical know-how and that investigators believed the perpetrators had been in the area for several days before installing them.

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Rocket-like objects that had a propellant.

Authorities were still searching for suspects and investigating in all directions. Redmann said the method differed from earlier attacks on the power supply that had been attributed to the far-left scene. No claim of responsibility had emerged.

The minister also said there was currently no indication that a foreign power had orchestrated the incident or used intelligence methods. The investigation continues while police assess the evidence at the substation and the possible connection with the North Rhine-Westphalia case.

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There is no indication that a foreign power is behind it and that intelligence methods were used.