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CIA warns Europe of Russian drone attack plot from Mediterranean vessels

defensenews.com — September 24, 2026 at 02:01 PM UTC

The CIA has warned European nations of a suspected Russian plot to launch explosive Gerbera-type drones from commercial vessels in the Mediterranean, according to a report by Spanish daily El Mundo, citing an anonymous Lithuanian intelligence source. Spain, France, or Italy may be the targets. The drones, with a 2.5-meter wingspan and 600-kilometer range, would be hidden in containers and catapult-launched from international waters, carrying small warheads aimed at starting fires or causing economic turmoil. The warning followed CIA Director's secretive Moscow visit on Aug. 25, with the report circulating in mid-September. The report is unconfirmed, but it aligns with heightened Russian sabotage activity in Europe, including drone airspace violations and attacks on German infrastructure. Austria has launched counter-drone exercises, while a pro-Russian Telegram channel suggested supplying Algeria with drones to strike French targets.

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