A fire broke out Friday before 5 a.m. at an arms factory warehouse in Pardubice, Czech Republic, prompting a terrorism investigation.
Factory Fire and Initial Response
The fire erupted at the LPPHolding factory in Pardubice on Friday before 5 a.m. No injuries were reported. The factory collaborates with the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems.
Czech police announced via X that the National Counter-Terrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime Unit, in cooperation with the Prague General Prosecutor’s Office, is investigating the incident as a potential TERRORIST attack.
Claim of Responsibility
An organization calling itself The Earthquake Faction claimed responsibility for the fire, stating they target infrastructure linked to the Israeli arms industry in Europe.
The group released a statement declaring, “As long as the earth bleeds under Israeli bombs in occupied Palestine and all of Western Asia, the ground must tremble under the feet of the occupiers’ sponsors… On March 20, 2026, we struck at the epicenter of the Israeli arms industry in Europe.” The Earthquake Faction also posted footage of the arson on their website.
Criticism of Elbit Systems
The organization further stated, “Every weapon developed by Elbit Systems is first “tested” on Palestinians and then sold to international governments, expanding an empire built on the destruction of Palestine. Wherever Elbit Systems and its accomplices hide and conceal their bloody dealings around the world, we will come after them.”
Elbit Systems Profile
Elbit Systems describes itself as a “leading global defense technology company.” The company claims to enable clients to face evolving battlefield challenges through a collaborative culture and leveraging the Israeli technology ecosystem.
Elbit Systems employs over 20,000 people across dozens of countries and reported nearly $8 billion in revenue last year.
Controversies and Accusations
Pro-Palestinian and anti-war organizations accuse Elbit Systems of involvement in Israeli human rights and international law violations in occupied Palestinian territories.
Organizations like Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East have previously reported that Elbit Systems supplies 85% of Israel’s military drones, produces white phosphorus and cluster munitions, and components for tanks and fighter jets—all allegedly used against Palestinians.
Palestinian civil society organizations have long called for the international community to sever ties with Elbit Systems and other Israeli institutions involved in alleged rights abuses. Investors, including the Norwegian Government Pension Fund, HSBC, and Barclays Bank, have reportedly distanced themselves from Elbit Systems due to international law concerns.
