Major Power Sabotage Plunges Berlin Into Darkness

A coordinated act of sabotage against critical energy infrastructure has caused a series of major blackouts in Berlin, leaving tens of thousands of residents without power during freezing winter temperatures. Federal prosecutors are leading a terrorism investigation into the attacks, which a far-left extremist group has claimed responsibility for.

The incidents, occurring over several days, involved deliberate damage to high-voltage cables and a substation, cutting electricity to between 30,000 and 50,000 households at a time [41440][43318]. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the acts, stating, "This is not just arson or sabotage. This is already terrorism" [41622]. He emphasized the danger to vulnerable residents, including the elderly and families with young children.

A group identifying itself as the "Vulkangruppe" or "Volcano Group" has posted online statements claiming responsibility for the attacks [41440][43318]. The group described its actions as a protest against "the fossil fuel economy" and what it termed a "climate-destroying, colonial, patriarchal system" [41739][43318]. Authorities classify the Vulkangruppe as a left-wing extremist organization, and its targeting of essential utilities marks a significant escalation in tactics [42270][43318].

The blackouts have caused severe disruption, with some areas taking days to restore full power [40861][41135]. The outages coincided with a severe cold snap, forcing the city to open emergency shelters for those without heat [41135]. Police and energy technicians are investigating the precise methods used in the sabotage, which officials confirm involved arson [40740][41917].

The Federal Prosecutor's Office, which handles domestic terrorism cases, has taken over the investigation, underscoring the severity with which the state is treating the incidents [43318]. No arrests have been announced as the hunt for the perpetrators continues.