“Another hybrid incident”?
Baerbock does not rule out an act of sabotage in the DHL crash
November 25, 2024 – 5:47 p.mReading time: 2 min.
A DHL plane crashed into a residential building in Lithuania. Foreign Minister Baerbock believes a “hybrid attack” is possible. Meanwhile, the opposition blames the federal government.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock does not rule out a Russian act of sabotage in the cargo plane crash in Lithuania. “The very fact that we, together with our Lithuanian and Spanish partners, now have to seriously ask ourselves whether this was an accident or, after last week, another hybrid incident, shows what volatile times we are currently living in, even in the middle of Europe,” said Baerbock on Monday on the sidelines of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Fiuggi. The German authorities worked closely with their Lithuanian colleagues to clarify the matter.
Baerbock said that investigations were being carried out “in all directions”. In any case, one cannot simply assume that the cause was a technical defect. “We have recently seen several hybrid attacks in Europe,” said Baerbock, also referring to the cutting of second data cables in the Baltic Sea last week. This shows “how important it is to protect our critical infrastructure.”
Green Party deputy leader Konstantin von Notz has called for a rapid improvement in the protection of critical infrastructure in Germany. The so-called Kritis umbrella law is available and must now finally be passed, said von Notz on Monday in Berlin.
“We simply have to acknowledge that there are forces and forces on the move that are prepared to do outrageous things, and that is why we have to increase the level of protection,” he said, also referring to the data cables damaged in the Baltic Sea. Instead of postponing its adoption until after the new election, he is calling on the Union to negotiate the Kritis umbrella law and bring it to a conclusion during this legislative period.
The Green politician emphasized that the Kritis umbrella law should make the state and companies responsible for increasing the level of protection in certain areas against espionage, sabotage attacks and illegitimate influence. In the middle of the month, defects were discovered in two data cables in the Baltic Sea, which may have been caused deliberately.
CDU defense politician Roderich Kiesewetter warns against speculation about who caused the crash. However, the incident “fits the pattern” of Russian hybrid warfare to create uncertainty in society.
“In view of such probable attacks, we should put party politics on hold,” said Kiesewetter on the Welt television channel. Like the Green Party politician von Notz, he is calling for the Kritis umbrella law to be passed quickly. Until a new federal government is established after the planned new elections, a lot of time will be lost in protecting the critical infrastructure.
Kiesewetter “clearly” sees the mistake in the federal government and thus contradicts von Notz. The federal government has not yet brought the law to committees, said Kiesewetter. And now they first want Chancellor Olaf Scholz to ask the question of trust. Scholz wants to do this on December 18th.
One person was killed when a DHL cargo plane crashed into a residential building near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania early this morning. Two other people were injured, airport, police and fire officials told Reuters. The plane started in Leipzig.
How can individuals contribute to national security awareness in the context of increasing hybrid threats?
Interview: The Growing Threat of Hybrid Incidents in Europe
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, and welcome to this special interview session at Time.news. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Elena Schmidt, an expert in international security and hybrid threats. We’ll be discussing the recent DHL plane crash in Lithuania and its implications for European security. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Schmidt.
Dr. Elena Schmidt (ES): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, although it’s under concerning circumstances.
TNE: Indeed. The crash has raised questions about whether it could be linked to a hybrid attack, as suggested by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. How significant is it that officials are considering sabotage as a potential cause?
ES: It’s very significant. When we see government officials tie an incident like this to the possibility of a hybrid attack, it highlights a serious shift in how we perceive security threats. Hybrid warfare can manifest through various means, including disinformation, cyber attacks, and now even sabotage in our physical infrastructure. This incident could signify a broader trend in which traditional forms of warfare are blended with non-conventional tactics.
TNE: Baerbock mentioned that investigations are being conducted “in all directions.” What kinds of steps do you think are essential in such investigations?
ES: Investigators should first focus on multiple fronts. They need to assess technical failures, but equally importantly, they must evaluate any geopolitical motives. It’s crucial to look for patterns, especially with recent incidents like the cutting of data cables in the Baltic Sea, which Baerbock referenced as a potential precursor to a hybrid assault. Such investigations require collaboration with international partners to share intelligence and validate findings.
TNE: There’s also a political aspect to this incident, with the opposition blaming the federal government. How do political dynamics influence the public’s perception of security threats?
ES: Political dynamics play a vital role. When incidents occur, political groups often mobilize to leverage fears for their agendas. This can lead to a heightened sense of insecurity among the public, which is why the government’s response is critical. They must communicate effectively to prevent panic and ensure that the population understands the nature of these threats without succumbing to fearmongering.
TNE: Another important point raised by Green Party deputy leader Konstantin von Notz is the need for improved protection of critical infrastructure. How urgent is this need given the current climate?
ES: It’s incredibly urgent. The risk to critical infrastructure is growing, and officials must act quickly. The proposed Kritis umbrella law aims to improve security measures against espionage and sabotage. But it also calls for cooperation between the state and private sectors. A successful framework would involve regular assessments of vulnerabilities and proactive measures to address them before incidents occur.
TNE: Do you believe that European nations are prepared for the kind of hybrid threats that may emerge in the future?
ES: Unfortunately, I think many nations are still lagging behind in terms of preparedness. There’s a tendency to react rather than to anticipate and prevent. Hybrid threats require an adaptive approach, blending military readiness with cyber defense and civil resilience strategies. Nations must enhance their intelligence capabilities and foster a culture of security awareness.
TNE: What steps should individuals take to stay informed and contribute to national security awareness?
ES: Individuals play a vital role. Staying informed about local and international security developments is crucial. Engaging in community discussions about safety measures, advocating for stronger policies, and being vigilant about sharing information can empower citizens. Importantly, critical thinking about the information we consume helps mitigate the effects of misinformation, which is a hallmark of hybrid attacks.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the implications of the DHL incident reach far beyond the immediate tragedy, touching on broader issues of security and resilience.
ES: Thank you for having me. These discussions are vital as we navigate these complex threats. I hope for a future where we can better safeguard our societies against such challenges.
TNE: Thank you for your time and perspective. We’ll continue to follow this story closely and report on developments as they unfold.