Western Intelligence Uncovers Russian Plot To Target US-Bound Planes

Western security officials have uncovered a suspected plot involving incendiary devices, allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence, targeting cargo and passenger flights bound for North America.

The devices, planted within ordinary-looking electric massagers, ignited at logistics hubs in Europe. This prompted a wide-scale investigation spanning multiple countries, The Wall Street Journal reports.

What Happened: Authorities believe these incendiary devices, containing a magnesium-based substance, were part of a larger scheme to test security protocols and ultimately cause in-flight fires.

The incendiary incidents, which took place at DHL hubs in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, U.K., are believed to be linked to Russian military intelligence, known as the GRU. They represent an escalation in Russia's campaign of sabotage against Western nations, according to The Journal.

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The devices narrowly missed being placed on planes in July. German authorities noted that a delayed flight prevented a potentially devastating incident. Officials assert the incendiary devices, once ignited, would be challenging to extinguish due to the magnesium component, posing significant risks to airborne aircraft.

In response to the incidents, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cargo security measures on flights in coordination with international carriers. Germany's internal security head described the thwarted plot as a "lucky coincidence," as the incendiary devices could have forced an emergency landing or, worse, resulted in a catastrophic mid-air incident, WSJ reports.

Why It Matters: This alleged plot emerges as part of Moscow's broader campaign of interference, echoing recent findings on Russian-backed election meddling.

Recently, U.S. agencies including the FBI, ODNI, and CISA linked Russian actors to a fabricated video intended to undermine voter confidence in the 2024 presidential election, further illustrating Russia's expansive efforts to destabilize the West.

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