Suspected terror attack behind Czech industrial fire, officials say

A major fire at an industrial complex in Pardubice early Friday morning is being investigated as a deliberate terrorist attack, according to Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar.

The facility, which houses the defense technology firm LPP Holding, was reportedly targeted due to its partnerships with Israeli weapons manufacturers.

Minister Metnar confirmed on social media that he has convened a crisis staff to manage the situation.

"There is a probable connection to a terrorist attack," Metnar stated, noting that while the incident resulted in significant property damage, no injuries have been reported. A press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. today following the crisis meeting.

The investigation has been taken over by the National Centre Against Terrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime (NCTEKK) in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office in Prague. Both the civilian counter-intelligence service (BIS) and Military Intelligence (VZ) are also participating in the probe.

The incident gained international attention after a group calling itself "The Earthquake Faction" sent an email to the news site Aktuálně.cz claiming responsibility.

"Early this morning, a key Israeli weapons manufacturing facility was set on fire by an underground group in order to put an end to its role in the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza," Aktualne.cz reported, citing an email received by one of its reporters this morning.

The group described the Pardubice site as a "key Israeli weapons manufacturing hub" and stated the arson was intended to protest the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

A video allegedly showing the fire being set was also circulated on the X network.

LPP Holding had previously announced plans to develop and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) at the Pardubice site in collaboration with the Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems. The facility was intended to serve as a "Centre of Excellence" for regional defense projects.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš characterized the reports as "very serious" and confirmed he is in close contact with security services. "An intensive investigation is underway, and the minister is coordinating everything with the security services," the Prime Minister wrote.

Pardubice, located roughly 100 kilometers east of Prague, is a significant industrial hub. While the city has remained on high alert, police have not yet released information regarding potential suspects. Security at similar industrial and defense-related sites across the Czech Republic is expected to be tightened as the investigation continues.