Russia shipped explosives to test ‘sabotage’ plot for US, Canada-bound planes
According to reports from Western security officials, there is a growing concern that Russia is planning to plant explosives on commercial or passenger airplanes bound for the United States and Canada. This alarming revelation comes after two incendiary devices were discovered in packages shipped via DHL and ignited at logistics hubs in Germany and England in July. The investigation into these incidents has led to the belief that the explosions were caused by electric massagers containing a flammable substance made of magnesium.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that the electric massagers, which were sent from Lithuania to the United Kingdom, were part of a “test run” for a larger sabotage plot orchestrated by Russia. The ultimate goal was to evaluate how to successfully smuggle explosives onto aircraft heading to North America. Four suspects have been arrested in connection to the fires at the DHL hubs and are facing charges of sabotage or terrorist operations on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency.
Pawel Szota, the head of Poland’s foreign intelligence agency, implicated Russian spies in the plot and warned that any successful attack would represent a significant escalation in Russia’s campaign of sabotage against Western powers. Szota expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a mass casualty event resulting from an explosive device on a commercial flight. He emphasized that the actualization of such an attack would have severe repercussions.
The investigation points to the Russian military-intelligence agency, the GRU, as being behind the plot. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied any official accusations of Russian involvement, dismissing the claims as unsubstantiated insinuations from the media. Meanwhile, the U.K.’s counter-terrorism police are investigating the Birmingham fire and collaborating with European agencies on the matter.
German police conducted tests on replicas of the incendiary devices and determined that most planes’ firefighting systems would struggle to extinguish the magnesium if it ignited onboard. Pilots would likely need to make an emergency landing in such a scenario, as failing to do so could result in a plane crash over water. The gravity of the situation underscores the need for heightened security measures and vigilance in the aviation industry.
In conclusion, the reported plot to plant explosives on airplanes bound for North America is a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats faced by the international community. The investigation into these incidents highlights the importance of cooperation between intelligence agencies and law enforcement to prevent acts of terrorism and ensure the safety of air travel.
