Transnational Sabotage: Courier Companies Targeted in Europe
As tensions between the West and Russia escalate, a series of suspicious parcel fires targeting courier companies in Poland, Germany, and the UK have raised alarm bells. Polish prosecutors have revealed that these dry runs were aimed at sabotaging flights to the US and Canada, with intelligence agencies suggesting Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, may be behind these acts.
Emergency Response and Investigations
Early last month, four people were arrested, and international investigations into these incidents were launched. In Leipzig, a DHL cargo plane was threatened by a fire in July that took place just as the package containing a device was about to be loaded. Miraculously, the device was delayed and did not pose an immediate risk.
The fire at Minworth, UK was also severe, though details have been sparse. The Guardian reported that counter-terrorism police were investigating whether this was another case of Russian sabotage.
The Magnesium-Based Explosives
Western security officials believe the parcels contained devices with a "magnesium-based" substance. Magnesium-based fires are particularly challenging to extinguish, especially in confined spaces like the insides of planes. This accurately mirrors a test run for transporting such devices to the US and Canada.
Polish Prosecutor Katarzyna Calow-Jaszewska stated that the parcels, delivered via courier services, could originate from electric massage machines, but firm details remain under investigation.
路易政府的反应
Germany has bolstered security measures, with both Polish and Lithuanian governments responding to the incidents. The Polish Foreign Minister announced the closure of a Russian consulate in Poznan and threatened to expel Russian diplomats if Russia fails to stop the sabotage, while Russia has condemned this diplomatic action.
后续调查将继续进行
Given the severity and potential impact of these incidents, diplomatic and security measures will continue to tighten. Courier companies such as DHL have already stepped up security protocols, and similar measures are expected in other companies and countries where such sabotage may occur.
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