U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged closer cooperation with Germany to combat violent left-wing extremist networks, citing the January sabotage of Berlin’s electricity grid as an example of the growing international threat.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives from several countries, Rubio referred to the attack on Berlin’s power infrastructure and said the next international gathering on the issue would be held “with partners in Germany.” He argued that the incident demonstrated the need for greater intelligence sharing and coordinated action against violent left-wing extremist groups.
On January 3, unidentified attackers set fire to several high-voltage power cables on a cable bridge in southwest Berlin, triggering a blackout that left around 100,000 people without electricity, heating, or lighting for up to five days. Nursing homes, medical practices, schools, nurseries, and businesses were among those affected, with disruption continuing even after power was restored.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the so-called “Volcano Group,” which Berlin’s domestic intelligence service classifies as part of the violent anarchist wing of the left-wing extremist movement. Germany’s Federal Prosecutor took over the investigation on suspicion of terrorism, while the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) at one stage offered a reward of up to €1 million for information leading to arrests. No suspects have yet been identified or detained.
Rubio said the Berlin blackout was more than an act of sabotage, describing it as evidence of the international radicalisation of violent left-wing groups. He called for stronger cooperation between allied countries to tackle such networks.
The United States has tightened its approach to violent left-wing organisations. Last year, Washington designated the German extremist group known as the “Hammer Gang” and other European left-wing extremist groups as terrorist organisations. The U.S. has also introduced travel restrictions targeting individuals involved in economic sabotage or support for terrorist activities.
The investigation into the Berlin attack remains unresolved, with German authorities still unable to identify those behind the “Volcano Group” or dismantle its wider network, despite years of similar attacks being linked to the name.
