Berlin arson attack on power cables: investigators examine claim of responsibility

Investigators in Berlin are examining a claim of responsibility for a suspected arson attack on power cables in the eastern district of Marzahn about ten days ago. The Berlin Prosecutor General's office confirmed it has a letter from a previously unknown group calling itself "Kinder des Zorns" (Children of Wrath) and said it is being taken into account in the investigation. Broadcaster rbb reported that investigators consider the letter authentic; there was no official confirmation.

According to police, unknown perpetrators set fire to old tires and debris beneath power cables under a bridge early on Oct. 5. Nineteen businesses were temporarily disconnected from the grid and supplied with emergency power. The state security unit of the State Criminal Police Office has taken over the case, which it says is open in all directions.

In the letter, the group claims it deliberately cut power to several technology companies, some of which it says make dual-use products with civilian and military applications. Berlin has been hit by several earlier attacks on its power grid, some causing major blackouts, which were attributed to left-wing extremists.