German authorities investigate extensive foreign hybrid operations

German law enforcement and intelligence services are currently investigating more than 100 suspected cases of foreign state-sponsored hybrid warfare across the country. Hostile activities range from unauthorized drone overflights and disinformation campaigns to physical sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.

Investigative leads in a foiled August drone attack targeting Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport point directly to an operative from Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, who reportedly acted as a key organizer. In a separate operation, German police arrested individuals—including two Turkish nationals—at the request of Polish intelligence following an arson attack on a Starlink satellite facility in Poland. Furthermore, domestic intelligence officials warned that foreign actors may have pre-positioned hidden weapon stashes throughout Germany to facilitate future operations intended to destabilize public order.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau.