Suspected Attack on German Power Substation Triggers Brief Outage

German authorities are investigating a suspected attack on a critical power substation in the eastern state of Brandenburg after an unexploded incendiary device was discovered on Tuesday, causing a brief power cut and damaging transmission lines.

The Turnow-Preilack substation, a key high-voltage hub connecting the Jaenschwalde power plant to the 50Hertz grid, was the target of the incident. Police were alerted around 8 a.m. local time and secured the site, stating there was never any danger to the public.

Investigators described the device as an unconventional explosive and incendiary mechanism capable of detonating but which failed to do so. Grid operator 50Hertz said unidentified perpetrators caused damage to several power lines, though all lines have since been restored and general electricity supply was never affected. The operator later added that homemade projectiles resembling standard fireworks were found, along with others not yet launched.

LEAG, the plant operator, said a switchgear bay knocked out by the attack was expected to be back in service later Tuesday.

The incident comes amid heightened German vigilance over hybrid and cyber threats to critical infrastructure. Brandenburg's premier, Dietmar Woidke, condemned the attack, stressing the need to protect essential facilities. Separately, Germany is reportedly preparing to blame Russia for an attempted drone strike on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle airport last month, with possible new sanctions under discussion. Moscow has dismissed such accusations as fabricated provocations.