US and European law enforcement agencies are working together to investigate whether firebombs detonated at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and Britain in July were part of a larger operation led by Russian intelligence services (specifically the GRU – Russian Military Intelligence ), the highest level of the Russian government or by outside individuals acting in Russia’s interests, a source familiar with the matter said.
Officials are trying to determine whether the larger operation was intended to place similar devices on aircraft serving the U.S. and U.S. allies. The Wall Street Journal first reported the alleged plot against American aircraft.
The 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, released in late October, said the U.S. remains concerned about threats to aviation and air cargo systems, including the “potential use of the air cargo supply chain to transport concealed dangerous and potentially lethal items.” ”
DHL said in a statement that it was aware of “two recent incidents involving shipments in our network. We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities to protect our people, our network and our customers’ shipments.”
“We continually adjust our security posture as necessary and promptly share all relevant information with our industry partners to include requirements and recommendations that will help them reduce risk,” the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement.
“In recent months, as part of a multi-layered security approach, TSA has been working with industry partners to implement additional security measures for U.S. aircraft operators and foreign airlines regarding certain cargo shipments bound for the United States, consistent with the 2021 guidelines. TSA Air Cargo Security Roadmap,” the TSA statement continued.
The FBI declined to comment.
contributed to this report.
