Berlin hospitals threatened by spate of attacks

"The Berlin Hospital Association (BKG) has issued a warning describing a spate of seemingly "inexplicable incidents" at hospitals and healthcare facilities in the capital. These range from drone incursions over hospital grounds and cyberattacks to forced entry and arson. The BKG says that Germany's security and intelligence services classify at least some of these attacks as potential acts of hybrid warfare."

"For security reasons, the BKG told DW that it could not disclose exactly where the incidents it refers to in the statement took place. The "growing hybrid threat" had prompted the BKG to raise awareness among Berlin hospitals to establish effective self-protection, it said. There are more than 80 hospitals in Berlin, including Charite, the largest university hospital in Europe, founded in 1710, which offers all-around care and conducts cutting-edge research."

"In November, a powerful explosion severely damaged the Vivantes hospital in southeast Berlin. A few hours later, a fire broke out at the entrance to Charite hospital in the central district of Mitte. In both cases, areas for the treatment of cancer patients were affected. That prompted the state security services to launch an investigation on suspicion of politically motivated arson."

Berlin's hospitals and healthcare facilities have experienced a series of incidents including drone incursions, cyberattacks, forced entry, arson and explosions. Germany's security and intelligence services classify at least some incidents as potential acts of hybrid warfare, prompting joint protection measures with hospital and security services. For security reasons the BKG did not disclose exact locations while urging hospitals to establish effective self-protection across more than 80 facilities. Notable incidents included a powerful November explosion at Vivantes, a fire at Charite affecting cancer-treatment areas, and multiple basement fires at the Bundeswehrkrankenhaus. Berlin hospitals have also treated injured Ukrainians as part of the Life Bridge Ukraine project.

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