Quick Read
- An underground group known as the “Earthquake Faction” claimed responsibility for setting fire to an Elbit Systems factory in Pardubice, Czech Republic.
- The group stated its actions were a protest against the company’s role in supplying weapons used in conflicts, particularly in Palestine.
- Czech police are investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
PARDUBICE, Czech Republic (Azat TV) – A significant fire broke out early Friday morning at a facility in Pardubice, Czech Republic, linked to the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. The incident, which destroyed several buildings, is being investigated by Czech police for a potential terrorist connection, with an underground group claiming responsibility.
Earthquake Faction Claims Responsibility for Factory Fire
The group calling itself the “Earthquake Faction” stated on Friday that it was behind the blaze, targeting what it described as the “epicenter of the Israeli weapons industry in Europe.” In a statement released via Telegram, the group declared that the Pardubice facility, described as Elbit Systems’ “Centre of Excellence” and newly built in collaboration with LPP, was deliberately targeted to destroy equipment and halt the firm’s operations. The group, which identifies as an “internationalist underground network that targets key sites critical to the Zionist entity,” vowed to continue such actions wherever Elbit Systems and its “accomplices” conduct their business.
Elbit Systems Factory Described as Key European Hub
The “Earthquake Faction” asserted that every weapon developed by Elbit Systems is first “tested” on Palestinians before being sold to international governments, thus fueling conflicts. The group emphasized that their actions are a direct response to ongoing Israeli military operations in “Occupied Palestine and across West Asia.” They stated that there is no longer time to appeal to “complicit international governments,” and that direct action is necessary to disrupt the means of violence. The group also reiterated that no one was harmed in the incident.
Czech Police Launch Investigation into Possible Terrorism
Czech police confirmed they are investigating the incident. A statement posted on X indicated that authorities are examining what they described as a “possible terrorist link” to the fire. The facility in Pardubice is operated jointly by a Czech firm and Elbit Systems. Elbit Systems is a major supplier of land and air weapons utilized by the Israeli military in various conflicts, including those in Gaza and Iran. The scale of the destruction and the group’s explicit claims have prompted a high-level security response.
The incident highlights growing international tensions surrounding arms manufacturers involved in conflicts, with activist groups employing increasingly direct and disruptive tactics to protest perceived complicity in violence.