Bomb threats hit Irish media and European airlines as world leaders prepare to meet in Dublin next week for the European Political Community and EU leaders' summits.
Bomb threats have targeted media outlets in Ireland and airlines across Europe in recent days, heightening security concerns ahead of next week's European Political Community and EU leaders' meetings in Dublin.
On Friday, bomb threats were sent to Irish media organisations including RTÉ, Bauer Media, Virgin Media and Mediahuis. The same email was sent to at least 50-60 media outlets across Europe, claiming bombs had been placed at all of their offices, with no specific threat to Irish media organisations. Sources described the email as "crude" and "generic".
On November 6, a new round of bomb threats disrupted air traffic in many places in Europe. All affected flights landed safely, and relevant searches found no explosive devices. According to The Guardian, the latest round of threats affected at least 18 flights to and from Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and the United Kingdom. The Danish police are investigating a threat targeting Copenhagen Airport, though airport management stated operations were not affected.
Earlier this week, multiple similar threat incidents occurred in many places in Europe, forcing at least 35 flights to be diverted or subjected to searches.
The European Political Community meeting of heads of state and government from across Europe will take place on Thursday in the Convention Centre, Dublin. A meeting of heads of state or government of the EU will take place on Friday, also in the Convention Centre.
An estimated 50 heads of state, and their officials, are expected to come to Ireland for the meetings. An Garda Síochána has hired coaches, at a cost of at least €2 million, to bring gardaí to the capital for what the Taoiseach described as the biggest policing operation in the history of the State.
"We have been very clear for many months that this is the biggest security and policing operation [ever organised in the State], greater than the visit of the US president," Martin said.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said the threats to Irish media organisations were being taken "extremely seriously" and were under investigation.
The threat of an attack nationally is still classified as "moderate" in advance of next week's events, while the threat of an attack or security incident at the meetings is regarded as "substantial".
While the involvement of Russia, or a Russian-aligned entity, in the Irish bomb threats had not been ruled out, sources described the email received by the Irish media outlets as "crude" and "generic".
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that it is currently unclear whether there is a connection between these prank-style threats and the recent cyberattacks. She pointed out that the targets of the attacks were civilian infrastructure.
Investigators stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the prank-style threats against airlines and other targets were planned by hostile terrorist organizations or state actors, but relevant investigations are still ongoing.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Álvarez said, "It is absolutely not a coincidence that so many incidents with exactly the same modus operandi have occurred across Europe." He believes that Europe must be prepared for more such challenges.
Earlier this week, the refrigeration systems of supermarkets in at least seven European countries were hit by cyberattacks.
The threats come as Dublin hosts its biggest security operation in state history, with world leaders gathering for two major European summits next week and Garda management facing a work-to-rule dispute with the Garda Representative Association.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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A new wave of bomb threats hit European airlines and media outlets on Friday, following earlier threats this week. No explosives have been found on any planes.
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