Czech police have announced the detention of two more individuals in connection with the suspected arson attack on a drone and optics manufacturing facility last month, significantly expanding an international investigation that now spans at least four countries.
Expanding International Investigation
The latest developments come after authorities revealed that one person was detained within the Czech Republic on Saturday, while another individual was apprehended in Bulgaria on Friday. Czech officials have confirmed they will request the extradition of the suspect detained in Bulgaria, with both individuals identified as foreign nationals.
Growing List of Detentions
These latest arrests bring the total number of known detentions related to the incident to at least nine individuals from multiple nationalities. Previously, Czech authorities had announced five detentions, including an Egyptian citizen and a U.S. citizen. Additionally, Polish prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday that two Polish citizens were detained in connection with the same case.
The industrial facility, located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Prague, caught fire on March 20. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident, which firefighters successfully extinguished. Police have confirmed there was no danger to the public during the emergency response.
Pro-Palestinian Group Claims Responsibility
A previously unknown pro-Palestinian activist group has claimed responsibility for the attack in an online statement, alleging that the targeted company was developing weapons for Israel. The facility is used by LPP Holding, a Czech defence group that had announced plans in 2023 to cooperate with Israeli military technology company Elbit Systems.
However, LPP Holding has clarified that those cooperation plans were never implemented. The company develops and manufactures products for both civilian and military applications, including drone technologies currently being used by Ukraine's armed forces in their defense against the Russian invasion.
Terrorism Concerns Raised
Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar has stated that "the incident may be related to a terrorist attack," elevating the seriousness of the investigation. The statement from the pro-Palestinian group and the international nature of the detentions have contributed to this assessment.
Police have not yet disclosed what materials were inside the warehouse that caught fire, and investigations continue into the full extent of the damage and the precise motives behind the attack. LPP Holding had previously announced plans to establish a center for drone development, production, and personnel training in cooperation with Elbit Systems, though the company maintains these plans were never realized.
The expanding international investigation demonstrates the complex nature of the case, with detentions now occurring across multiple European countries and involving citizens from several nations. Authorities continue to piece together the connections between those detained and the claimed motivations behind the factory attack.
