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German Authorities Uncover Underground Weapons Stash Near Berlin, Seek Extradition of Romanian Suspect
Berlin, Aug. 21 – German officials have uncovered a concealed cache of weapons in a forest near the capital and are pursuing the extradition of a suspect currently in Romania. The discovery is part of an ongoing investigation into activities believed to be linked to Russian intelligence operations.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt identified the individual as a “low-level agent” connected to Russian intelligence and noted that several other agents have been apprehended earlier this year. The weapons cache, which included two firearms and ammunition, was found during a months-long inquiry.
Investigators deliberately left the weapons at the site after confirming they were rendered inoperative, hoping to monitor any attempts to retrieve them. However, no one has returned, leading officials to suspect the operation has been abandoned.
Authorities are examining whether the weapons were intended for use in a violent act threatening national security. “This case demonstrates that we are operating under a high threat level,” Dobrindt said at a press briefing.
Heightened vigilance follows warnings from Sinan Selen, Director General of the German Federal Domestic Intelligence Service, who recently cautioned that Russia might be planning assassinations targeting supporters of Ukraine, defense industry personnel, and political opponents.
The Russian embassy in Germany has declined to comment on these allegations.
In related developments, a drone armed with explosives was discovered two weeks ago near Leipzig/Halle international airport, an incident suspected to involve the Russian government. On the same day, a DHL cargo plane experienced a midair collision with an unidentified object, forcing it to divert to an alternate airport. The aircraft sustained minor damage to its nose.
German intelligence continues to monitor these incidents closely amid escalating concerns about foreign espionage and potential threats to national security.