Russia is accused of plotting sabotage against US-bound planes

The Wall Street Journal reports that Russia is behind a plan to set fires aboard cargo and passenger planes en route from Europe to Canada and the United States. The publication said the explosions at the DHL hubs in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, UK, in July were dress rehearsals for the plan, which appeared aimed at bringing down the plane. Reuters reported that the WSJ (subscription required) cited Western security officials as sources.

The incendiary devices were hand massagers filled with magnesium. “Apparently it was a test run to find out how such incendiary devices could be brought on board aircraft to North America.” The fires in Great Britain and Germany occurred locally and were fought by DHL employees without any significant damage. Four people were arrested in Poland in connection with the conspiracy and two others are on the run. WSJ said the operation exhibited the hallmarks of a new strategy by Russian intelligence to hire local amateurs to do their dirty work.