Weapons factory in Romania erupts in flames: Sabotage not ruled out
Illustrative photo: Romanian police are investigating (Getty Images)
A massive fire has broken out at a local factory producing firearms in the Romanian city of Cugir. Authorities are not ruling out the possibility of sabotage at the facility, Radio România Actualități reports.
The mechanical plant in Cugir manufactures small arms. While the cause of the fire has not been officially determined, the estimated damage has already reached around €400,000.
At least 150,000 machine gun rounds were destroyed in the fire, and another 250,000 may be damaged and rendered unusable. A criminal investigation has been launched into the incident, with possible causes ranging from technical malfunction to deliberate sabotage.
"I want to find out exactly what happened - whether it was external interference or spontaneous combustion. All possible scenarios are being considered with varying degrees of likelihood. I'm waiting for the experts' conclusions," commented Romanian Economy Minister Radu Miruță.
Polish authorities recently detained a Colombian citizen who had been recruited by Russian intelligence services to carry out arson attacks. He had already committed several acts of arson in Warsaw and Radom.
Some European countries have gone even further. On July 18, the United Kingdom announced sanctions against more than 20 Russian intelligence operatives, Russian hackers, and several organizations. London accused Russia's spy agency of attempted assassinations, sabotage, and election interference.
