Militants claim arson attack on Berlin grid
A left-wing militant group takes responsibility for a massive Berlin arson attack that left tens of thousands in the dark and cold.
Image for illustrative purposes
Germany, Berlin: A left-wing extremist group has claimed responsibility for a major arson attack on Berlin’s power infrastructure, plunging tens of thousands of homes and businesses into darkness in the freezing winter.
The fire broke out on a bridge over the Teltow Canal in south-west Berlin early on 3 January, severely damaging several high-voltage cables. Grid operator Stromnetz Berlin warned that up to 35,000 households and 1,900 businesses could be without electricity and heating until 8 January.
In a 2,500-word pamphlet deemed credible by police, the Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group) said the attack was intentional, targeting some of Berlin’s wealthiest districts. They cited opposition to fossil fuel use and the climate crisis, and linked the action to energy-hungry AI data centres, which they argued worsen environmental and societal risks.
The blackout has caused severe disruption. Areas in Steglitz-Zehlendorf, including Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, Wannsee, and Lichterfelde, host care homes, hospitals, and high-rise buildings now without working elevators. With night-time temperatures well below freezing and snow over the weekend, authorities warned of serious risk to residents.
Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegner, condemned the attack in his statement: “It is unacceptable that leftwing extremists are once again openly attacking our electricity grid and thereby endangering human lives.” Emergency services have been stretched, with mobile networks failing and commuter lines disrupted.
Repair work was initially slowed by cold conditions, with around 10,000 homes restored by 4 January. Stromnetz Berlin worked through the weekend to restore electricity to affected areas. The Vulkangruppe has a history of similar attacks, including a Tesla gigafactory pylon in March 2024 and Berlin’s longest post-war blackout in September.
State security authorities are leading the investigation, with domestic extremism now the primary focus.
Source: BritBrief
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