German authorities have discovered a total of 21 improvised explosive devices near high-voltage power lines in the eastern state of Saxony as investigators expand a probe into a series of suspected sabotage attacks targeting the country's electricity infrastructure.

The Saxony police and public prosecutor's office said nine additional homemade explosive devices were found over the weekend near high-voltage transmission lines south of the Graustein substation in the Görlitz district, bringing the total number recovered during the investigation to 21. Bomb disposal experts safely neutralized all of the devices.

Investigators said the explosive devices had been positioned to trigger short circuits and damage the electricity transmission network, but none of them caused power outages or injuries. Authorities continue to treat the case as an attack on Germany's critical energy infrastructure.

Manhunt continues for sabotage suspect

German police are continuing a nationwide search for a 48-year-old suspect who allegedly sent letters claiming responsibility for a series of sabotage attacks on the power grid. The investigation began after materials believed to be explosives were found during a search of the suspect's home. Authorities are also examining whether the suspect acted alone or had accomplices.

The latest discoveries come after several suspected sabotage attempts against electricity infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg and Saxony heightened concerns over the vulnerability of Germany's critical infrastructure. German officials have not ruled out any motive as the investigation continues.

Berlin substation fire linked to technical fault

Separately, preliminary findings into a fire at a transformer substation in Berlin's Moabit district indicated that the blaze was caused by a technical fault rather than sabotage, easing concerns that it was connected to the wider investigation. Authorities said the incident did not disrupt the capital's electricity supply.

In the western city of Wesel, police also launched an investigation after discovering that the security fence surrounding another substation had been cut open. Officials are examining whether the incident is linked to the broader wave of attacks on Germany's power infrastructure.

German authorities have increased security measures around critical energy facilities as investigations into the recent sabotage attempts continue. The incidents have intensified concerns over the protection of vital infrastructure following a series of security threats in recent weeks. (ILKHA)