German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admitted that What happened could have been caused by an “accident or a hybrid attack by an external agentin “volatile times”.
“We have to seriously ask ourselves whether it was an accident or whether, like last week, it was a hybrid event,” Baerbock said in Fiuggi, Italy, on the sidelines of the G7 meeting.
The Minister was referring to the rupture of two underwater digital telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea, which could be an act of sabotage.
“Recently we have had repeated hybrid attacks in Europe”, said the German minister, “against individuals, underwater or land infrastructure”.
In early November, several people were detained in Lithuania and Poland in connection with incendiary packages sent by plane to several European countries, and Russia could find traces of them, according to authorities.
The term hybrid action refers to actions that seek to harm the country’s political institutions and security situation or influence public opinion, through non-military means, such as sabotage and computer attacks.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, some European leaders have considered that Moscow is waging a “hybrid war” against Western countries, Kiev’s allies, in an attempt to destabilize them.
In the case of the DHL plane, “The German and Lithuanian authorities are already working hard in all directions to clarify the incident“, revealed Annalena Baerbock. For those responsible in Lithuania, a “terrorist act” is not excluded.
The plane was engulfed in flames and smoke after crashing near Vilnius airport. One member of the crew, a Spaniard, died and three others were injured, one of them seriously.
The plane was making an “emergency landing”, DHL said in a statement, adding that ”an investigation is already underway”.
The accident happened around 3:30 local time (1:30 am in Lisbon). The plane, operated by partner DHL, arrived from Leipzig airport, Germany, with four people on board, according to the company.
“The plane was supposed to land at Vilnius airport and crashed a few kilometers from the airport“, Renatas Pozela, head of the fire and rescue service, told journalists, adding that one of the four team members was found dead.
“The four staff members were found. Unfortunately, one of them was pronounced dead,” said Pozela.
According to the authorities investigating what happened, no cause has been ruled out for the accident, including an act of terrorism.
“It is premature to associate [o acidente] with anything”Darius Jauniskis, head of the Lithuanian intelligence services, said the press. “We are working with our foreign partners to get as much information as possible.”
A house was hit in the plane crash and burned. Authorities stated that all residents were safely evacuated.
An AFP photographer present at the scene could see the wreckage of the aircraft and the house, as well as dozens of packages scattered on the ground.
with Lusa
What are the key signs of a hybrid attack that people should be aware of?
Interview Setup: Time.news Editor and Security Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today we are joined by Dr. Elena Thomas, a renowned expert in hybrid warfare and international security, to discuss the recent events highlighted by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding potential hybrid attacks in Europe. Welcome, Dr. Thomas!
Dr. Elena Thomas: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Minister Baerbock mentioned two significant underwater telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea that suffered ruptures. What exactly constitutes a hybrid attack, and how does it differ from traditional forms of warfare?
Dr. Thomas: Great question! A hybrid attack strategically combines conventional military tactics with non-military means, such as sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. These actions aim to destabilize political institutions or influence public opinion without engaging in traditional warfare. The attacks on the telecommunications cables could potentially disrupt communication and create chaos without a single shot being fired.
Editor: Could you provide some context on why Europe is suddenly so concerned about hybrid threats?
Dr. Thomas: Absolutely. The landscape of security has dramatically changed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Many European leaders have recognized that Russia employs hybrid warfare tactics to undermine their stability. The idea is to spread fear and disarray, ultimately influencing political discourse around the continent. Public confidence in institutions is eroded, making these nations more susceptible to influence.
Editor: Minister Baerbock also highlighted recent incidents, including fiery packages sent via plane to multiple countries, which were linked back to Russia. How significant are these incidents in the broader context of hybrid warfare?
Dr. Thomas: Those incidents are quite alarming and signify an escalation in hybrid tactics. They point to a growing trend where adversaries utilize unconventional means to instill fear and disrupt societal norms. In this instance, they are adding a physical component—the incendiary elements—to the existing cyber and informational strategies. The fact that authorities are labeling it a potential “terrorist act” illustrates the seriousness of the threat.
Editor: What preventative measures do you think European countries should adopt to safeguard against hybrid attacks?
Dr. Thomas: Awareness and readiness are key. Nations should invest in better intelligence capabilities to detect and prevent hybrid threats. This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures and fostering public awareness about misinformation. Additionally, collaborative efforts within NATO and the EU will ensure a more robust response and deter these attacks. It’s also important to have clear guidelines and action plans for how to handle such incidents should they occur.
Editor: given the volatility of the current situation, what message should European citizens take away about their security?
Dr. Thomas: The main message is that while the threat environment is complex, individuals can play a part in safeguarding democracy. Stay informed, question sources of information, and report any suspicious activities. Hybrid threats thrive on misinformation and disorganization; therefore, a vigilant and engaged public can be one of the strongest defenses.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thomas, for your insights. The situation in Europe currently is indeed precarious, but understanding the dynamics at play helps us all navigate these challenging times better.
Dr. Thomas: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue this conversation.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed,
