In southeast Berlin, two electricity pylons were set on fire, causing power outages for around 50,000 homes. A left-wing extremist group called ‘Some Anarchists’ claimed responsibility, saying they targeted a tech park linked to the arms industry.
Police are investigating it as a politically motivated attack, which has caused major disruption in Berlin. Nursing homes were affected, and some patients had to be moved. Trains stopped, traffic lights failed and emergency telephone numbers went down.
Police urged people to go directly to stations if needed and gave out safety tips, such as to use flashlights and save phone batteries.
Stromnetz Berlin’s director said power may not be fully restored the same day, and aid groups are preparing for days of disruption. The left-wing extremists called the damage “acceptable,” blaming local companies for harming people and nature.
The attack comes almost exactly two years to the day since left-wing anarchists used arson to sabotage Hamburg-based national train services, including the city’s main link to Berlin.
