Western security officials believe Russia is planning to plant incendiary devices on commercial flights bound for the U.S. and Canada, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
In July 2024, two incendiary devices disguised as electric massagers, containing a magnesium-based flammable substance, were sent from Lithuania to the United Kingdom via German logistics company DHL.
Officials suspect these devices were part of a covert Russian operation aimed at testing the feasibility of smuggling incendiary materials onto flights bound for North America.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incidents, facing charges related to sabotage and terrorist activities allegedly conducted on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency.
Although Polish authorities have not disclosed the suspects’ nationalities, Poland’s foreign intelligence chief, Pawel Szota, has attributed the plot to Russian operatives. Szota emphasized that had this plot progressed to targeting passenger aircraft, it would have marked a severe escalation in Russia’s alleged sabotage campaign against Western nations.
U.K. and German counterterrorism police are investigating whether these incidents served as a trial run for a larger operation.
In response, European and North American security agencies have increased their vigilance, concerned about potential further Russian hybrid operations targeting critical infrastructure and civilian transportation.
Experts warn that this alleged plot reflects a broader Russian hybrid warfare strategy aimed at challenging Western security and undermining NATO’s resolve. Maria Popova, a Russia expert at McGill University, noted that such covert operations suggest a larger strategy by Russia to destabilize Western democracies and test NATO’s commitment to collective defense. Popova cautioned that without a strong response from Western powers, these aggressive tactics could further escalate, including potential provocations in regions like the Arctic.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as “unsubstantiated insinuations,” denying any accusations from European authorities regarding Russia’s involvement.
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