Last time IA “FACT” wrote about the statements of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about Russian involvement in the preparation of global terrorist attacks aimed at destroying aircraft in the air. He noted, that the Polish side actively prevents these sabotage operations, which threaten many countries of the world. Among the facts confirming the seriousness of the situation, Tusk cited cases of incendiary devices discovered in the summer in Great Britain, Germany and Poland. In particular, explosive packages were found in a warehouse in Birmingham and on the runway of Leipzig airport. One such device even caused a fire during transportation.
The role of NATO geography, logistics and cooperation
It is worth noting that the starting point for parcels with explosive devices was Lithuania due to its geographical location and role in international logistics. As part of the Schengen zone, the Baltic state has simplified customs procedures, which can create opportunities for illegal transportation of dangerous goods. In addition, Lithuania borders Russia and actively criticizes its policies, making the country a target for hybrid actions.
Tusk noted that these events could be part of Russia’s broader plans to destabilize international security and increase tension not only in Europe, but also in the United States. In this context, it is important to understand exactly how the intelligence services detected these threats and whether this situation is an example of improved cooperation between NATO countries.
Detection of such threats became possible thanks to advanced security methods. Intelligence services monitored logistics chains and identified suspicious parcels using modern cargo screening systems for explosives. Databases helped analyze delivery routes, identifying anomalies. Agent activity and interception of information played an important role in exposing these operations. A significant part of the work was the exchange of information between NATO countries, which made it possible to combine individual incidents into a single picture of the threat.
After the statement of the Prime Minister of Poland about the preparation of global terrorist acts by Russia, the Kremlin rejected the accusations, calling them “groundless”. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized that Europe is already under attack from Russia through hybrid methods – political assassinations, cyber attacks, acts of sabotage and arson.
Currently, there is no detailed information about the official reaction of other countries, except the United States. Considering the seriousness of the accusations, it can be assumed that they caused discussion at the international level. Regarding the implementation of additional security measures, there are currently no concrete actions from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). However, the nature of the threat requires strengthening security procedures, in particular, increasing the control of cargo and parcels, intensifying the exchange of information between ICAO member countries and updating existing security protocols.
How to optimize the reliability of the international transportation system
These events point to vulnerabilities in the international transportation system. At each stage of the logistics chain, there may be gaps in control that allow dangerous goods to avoid detection. Fictitious documentation and false cargo information are common methods used by criminals.
Compounding the problem are limited resources for cargo inspection, especially in high-transit countries. Customs and transport services do not always have the opportunity to check every cargo. Difficulties in identifying dangerous shipments and shortcomings in the international exchange of information about suspicious cargoes.
To reduce these risks, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation, exchange of information, use of the latest technologies for scanning and inspection of cargo, as well as introduce stricter control procedures at all stages of transportation.
Legal consequences for Russia in the case of proving its involvement in the preparation of terrorist attacks
If it is proven that Russia is involved in the organization of terrorist acts, it will be recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism. In this case, the UN Security Council can impose international sanctions, including asset freezes, trade embargoes and restrictions on diplomatic relations. Affected countries can apply to the UN International Court of Justice for damages, and the International Criminal Court can consider Russia’s actions as war crimes or crimes against humanity.
It would also deepen Russia’s international isolation and increase sanctions aimed at weakening its economy. Relations between Russia and NATO will become even more strained, which will increase the military presence on the eastern flank and increase support for Ukraine.
How dangerous parcels became a symbol of hybrid warfare
The use of mail for terrorist attacks shows how the methods of conducting conflicts have changed. Instead of open combat, modern wars are increasingly becoming hybrid, where attacks are aimed not only at physical destruction, but also at spreading fear and chaos.
We live in a world where even a simple envelope can become a threat. This requires new approaches to security and readiness to confront new forms of terror that combine brutality and creativity, fear and surprise. Yes, infamous “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski mailed explosive devices to universities and airlines in the 1970s and 1980s. He hated technological progress, but his actions showed that even one person can keep an entire country in suspense using ordinary letters as a weapon.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, attacks using leaves with anthrax spores. The first case occurred on September 18, 2001, when dozens of letters containing anthrax spores were sent to several media offices and two senators. As a result of these attacks, 22 people became infected, 5 of them died.
This method of using mail for terrorist attacks is still relevant. For example, in 2010, the political conflict in Greece led to mailings explosives through diplomatic channels. In 2018, it was renewed in the USA wave of terror, when suspicious packages containing explosives were mailed to politicians and community leaders. In all these cases, the main instrument of influence was fear and chaos.
Why is magnesium popular with terrorists?
The solution to this phenomenon is quite simple. Magnesium-based incendiary devices are simple, but very effective means of sabotage, posing a serious threat to warehouses or aircraft cargo bays. Their design and choice of materials maximize the destructive effect and complicate the elimination of consequences.
The basis of such devices is a compact body disguised as ordinary household items, for example, an electronic massager. Inside is an ignition mechanism that can be activated by an electronic timer, a chemical detonator, or a thermal sensor. Magnesium is used for combustion, which provides a very high – up to 3000°C – temperature and emits an intense light capable of blinding or disorienting people.
Such a high burning temperature damages metal surfaces and causes large-scale fires. It is interesting that the traditional means of extinguishing fire – water – does not help in such conditions, but on the contrary, releases hydrogen, which intensifies the flame. Fighting such fires requires special powder fire extinguishers or inert materials, which are not always available, especially on board aircraft.
Flammable substances – paper or paraffin – contained in devices can facilitate the spread of fire. Their ignition mechanism is configured so that the device is activated at the right moment – during transportation or storage.
The danger of such devices is not only in the high burning temperature, but also in the difficulty of their detection. Disguising themselves as household goods, they do not arouse suspicion, passing through standard checks.
This is how they get into transport systems and are stored among other flammable cargoes. Obviously, in the case of an aircraft, this could lead to disaster, as the high temperature and difficulty of extinguishing a magnesium flame pose critical risks to aviation safety.
…The world stands on the threshold of a new age of war, where traditional battles give way to tricks and shadows. In these contests, forces no longer clash openly – their battlefield is blurred by cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and terror. This not only destroys state institutions, but also leaves deep scars in the consciousness of society.
Today’s delivery technology turns into a tool of invisible invasion, when dangerous parcels become weapons. Detecting such attacks is like looking for a ghost in the twilight. This threat forces states to review their approaches to protection, and the international community to coordinate efforts in the fight against the new danger.
The world is becoming less predictable and the risks to global security are greater than ever before. In this survival game, only those who can stand against the invisible enemy will be able to protect their people.
Tetyana Viktorova
