A fire broke out at LPP Holding, a defense contractor, in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on Friday morning, prompting an investigation by local authorities as a potential act of terrorism.
The blaze destroyed a warehouse and damaged an adjacent administrative building in the industrial area. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames within the day, and fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
Police have completed their on-site investigation and have returned the building to its owner. However, investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, with four potential motives under consideration, all suggesting intentional arson.
Experts from the Institute of Forensic Science, along with specialists from the National Center for the Fight Against Terrorism, Extremism, and Cybercrime, are involved in the investigation. Security services and military intelligence are also cooperating.
Authorities have urged media outlets to refrain from disseminating unverified information, emphasizing that such actions could hinder the identification of those responsible. They noted that incidents of this nature are rare in the Czech Republic.
According to company representatives, the site housed administrative offices and components for optoelectronics. The incident has not significantly impacted the holding’s operations, with production continuing at other facilities.
LPP Holding is known for manufacturing drone systems, including those intended for Ukraine. The company denied claims regarding inadequate security measures at the site, asserting compliance with all relevant requirements.
CEO Alexander Yaremenko stated that their facility, Archer-LPP, was deliberately set on fire by masked individuals.
“I assure our partners that all contractual obligations will be met. Products will be delivered on time,”
he added.
The police have classified the incident as a terrorist act after an anti-Israel group claimed responsibility. This group stated that they targeted the facility, described as a “key production center for Israeli weapons,” to protest Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
A fire at LPP Holding in Pardubice is under investigation as a potential terrorist act after a group claimed responsibility. The incident, which caused significant property damage but no injuries, has raised concerns about security and the implications of anti-Israel sentiments in the region.