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CIA warns of potential Russian drone attacks in the Mediterranean
The CIA has reportedly warned several European governments, including Spain, France, and Italy, about potential Russian drone attacks launched from the Mediterranean Sea. According to intelligence sources cited by El Mundo and Lithuanian defense officials, Russia may use commercial vessels from its 'shadow fleet' to transport and launch Gerbera drones. These drones, approximately two meters long with a 600 km range, could be hidden in shipping containers and launched via catapults from the sea.
While the drones carry a relatively small explosive payload of 4 to 5 kg, analysts warn they could be used to cause fires, damage critical infrastructure, or temporarily disrupt the operations of ports and airports. The intelligence warnings reportedly circulated following a visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliff in late August.
In response to the reports, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto dismissed the claims as unconfirmed and potentially inflammatory, stating that Rome has received no official intelligence regarding such a threat. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has increased focus on hybrid threats, convening defense councils to strengthen the protection of key infrastructure.
Entities
CIA · Emmanuel Macron · France · Italy · John Ratcliff · NATO · Russia · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The drones carry 4-5 kg of explosives, capable of causing fires or disrupting port and airport operations. n1info.si · dorzeczy.pl · fenix-magazin.de · www.jutarnji.hr
- [● 4 SOURCES] CIA Director John Ratcliff visited Moscow on August 25, following which intelligence warnings were circulated. n1info.si · medium.seznam.cz · fenix-magazin.de · www.jutarnji.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Italian government stated it has received no official warnings regarding these potential drone attacks. www.info.sk · dorzeczy.pl
- [● 6 SOURCES] The suspected drones are Gerbera models, weighing up to 18 kg with a 600 km range. n1info.si · medium.seznam.cz · www.24sata.hr · fenix-magazin.de · www.jutarnji.hr · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Danish Defense Intelligence Service sees no immediate signs of a full-scale Russian invasion of NATO members. rama-prozor.info
- [● 7 SOURCES] The CIA has warned several European governments about potential Russian drone attacks. n1info.si · medium.seznam.cz · www.times.si · www.24sata.hr · fenix-magazin.de · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Drones could be launched from commercial vessels in the Mediterranean using shipping containers to hide them. n1info.si · medium.seznam.cz · www.24sata.hr · fenix-magazin.de · www.jutarnji.hr · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Reports from El Mundo indicate that Russia may target Italy, Spain, and France with drones. n1info.si · medium.seznam.cz · www.times.si · www.24sata.hr · fenix-magazin.de · +2 more