Serbian security services discovered a large quantity of explosives near a gas pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary, prompting a probe into potential sabotage.
Serbian Security Operation and Initial Findings
Serbian security services conducted an operation in the Kanjiža municipality where a significant amount of explosive materials was found near the gas pipeline linking Serbia and Hungary. Duro Jovanić, director of the Vojnobezbednosna (VBA) agency – Serbia’s Military Security Agency – publicly announced the initial findings.
Possible Target: Gas Infrastructure
The head of VBA stated that the target may have been gas infrastructure. Jovanić, cited by local media, reported that authorities had prior intelligence indicating a “person from a migrant group with military training” might attempt to sabotage the gas infrastructure, and that this individual is currently being sought.
US Markings on Explosives
According to the head of Serbian military counterintelligence, markings on the recovered explosives indicated they were manufactured in the United States. However, Jovanić emphasized this does not automatically identify the perpetrator of the attempted sabotage. He dismissed claims of a false flag operation involving Ukrainian explosives.
Prior Warnings to Authorities
Jovanić emphasized that his agency had been warning top state authorities for months about the risk of an attack on gas infrastructure, but these warnings were reportedly met with skepticism. He stated they had alerted the Supreme Commander, President Aleksandar Vučić, and other state leadership.
Political Implications and Regional Response
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić previously informed the public about the discovery of explosives near the Balkan Stream gas pipeline, suggesting someone may have intended to send a political signal. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was informed and convened an emergency meeting of the defense council, deploying troops to protect the TurkStream pipeline.