German police detained two Bulgarian nationals after incendiary devices were thrown near defence technology companies in Munich.
MUNICH, GERMANY — German authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack near defence technology companies in Munich after incendiary devices were thrown at a construction site, with police arresting two Bulgarian nationals.
The incident occurred overnight on September 3 near the premises of Rohde & Schwarz, a German technology company that supplies security, communications and defence-related systems. Police said one incendiary device caught fire while another was rendered harmless. No one was injured and no significant damage was reported.
Two Bulgarian Nationals Arrested
German police arrested a 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, both Bulgarian citizens, at a nearby petrol station following the incident.
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that two of its nationals had been detained as part of an investigation into an attempted arson attack and said it would cooperate with German authorities.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive or said that the suspects acted on behalf of a foreign government.
Incendiary Devices Thrown From Car
According to police, a witness alerted authorities around midnight after seeing objects thrown from a moving vehicle in Munich’s Berg am Laim district.
Officers found one device burning near construction containers and extinguished the fire. A second device was subsequently made safe by specialist police personnel.
Rohde & Schwarz confirmed that police and firefighters responded near its premises.
The company develops communications and security technology used by government agencies and military organisations.
Defence Drone Maker Also Targeted
The incident reportedly occurred near another defence-related company, Helsing, a German manufacturer known for developing military drones.
German and European media reported that incendiary devices were thrown near the premises of both defence companies. Investigators are examining whether the incidents were connected.
The lack of major damage means the immediate physical impact of the attack was limited. However, the location has heightened concern because of the strategic importance of the companies involved.
Political Motive Under Investigation
German police have said they suspect a possible political background to the incident.
Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the latest case should be viewed against a broader deterioration in Germany’s security environment, including recent suspected attacks against critical infrastructure.
However, there is currently no confirmed evidence that Russia was directly responsible for the Munich attack.
Germany and several European allies have recently raised concerns about Russian-linked hybrid warfare and sabotage. Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in such incidents.
Growing Security Concerns in Germany
The Munich incident comes amid a series of security incidents in Germany.
Authorities have been investigating suspected sabotage attempts involving the country’s power infrastructure. A separate drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month also triggered concerns about possible foreign interference.
German officials and European allies have increasingly warned about hybrid threats involving cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and other activities below the threshold of conventional warfare.
The latest incidents are particularly sensitive because Germany is one of Ukraine’s major European supporters and plays a central role in NATO’s security structure.
Investigation Continues
Investigators are now examining the devices, the suspects’ movements and any possible links between the Munich attack and other recent incidents.
At this stage, authorities have not publicly established who ordered the suspected attack or what its precise objective was.
The arrests provide investigators with an opportunity to determine whether the incident was an isolated act of arson, politically motivated sabotage or part of a wider operation.
German authorities are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.
