Image: from The Wonk X@thewonkin
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies | January 4, 2026
BERLIN — A targeted arson attack on Berlin’s energy infrastructure has plunged approximately 45,000 households into darkness during a period of freezing temperatures and heavy snow. German authorities confirmed on Sunday that the blackout is the result of a “politically motivated attack” orchestrated by far-left extremists, specifically the anarchist “Volcano Group.”
The sabotage has disrupted heating, internet, and electricity across southwest Berlin, with thousands of residents warned they may remain without power until Thursday.
🚨Berlin blackout
High-voltage cables near Lichterfelde power plant were set on fire, cutting power to 45,000 homes & 2,000+ businesses in Zehlendorf, Wannsee, Nikolassee & Lichterfelde
Left-wing anarchist group “Vulkangruppe” claims responsibility#berlinblackout #豊臣兄弟 pic.twitter.com/6VHx1gIvDW
— The Wonk (@thewonkin) January 4, 2026
The Attack: Sabotage at the Teltow Canal
The crisis began on Saturday morning when a fire erupted on a cable bridge spanning the Teltow Canal, near the Lichterfelde power plant. The blaze specifically targeted high-voltage power lines, causing an immediate grid failure.
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Impact Zone: Four districts were hit, affecting 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses.
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Districts Affected: Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Nikolassee, and Wannsee are among the hardest hit.
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Casualties of the Cold: With temperatures hovering at freezing levels, the loss of heating has created a humanitarian emergency for vulnerable residents.
The “Volcano Group” Claims Responsibility
Berlin police are currently investigating the authenticity of a letter of confession attributed to the “Volcano Group” (Vulkangruppe). The letter, obtained by local media outlets, reportedly provided technical details on how the arson was executed.
Who are they?
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Ideology: Anarchist and far-left extremist.
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Primary Focus: The group frames its attacks as protests against climate change and the “capitalist” energy grid.
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History: Founded in 2011, the group has been under the surveillance of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution for years.
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Modus Operandi: They typically target radio masts, cable ducts, and electricity pylons.
Emergency Response and Restoration
While repair crews are working around the clock, the snowy weather has significantly slowed the pace of reconstruction on the damaged cable bridge.
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Emergency Shelters: A first emergency care point has been established in a sports center on Hüttenweg in Zehlendorf to provide warmth and supplies to those affected.
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Partial Restoration: Power was restored to approximately 2,000 households in Lichterfelde by Sunday night.
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The Long Wait: Authorities estimate that 35,000 residents will remain in the dark until Thursday as technicians work to bypass the scorched infrastructure.
A Growing Trend of Grid Sabotage
This incident marks an escalation from a similar attack in September 2024, where an arson strike in the Treptow-Köpenick district left 50,000 homes without power for 60 hours. Authorities warn that the current damage is far more severe, highlighting the vulnerability of the city’s power grid to low-tech, high-impact domestic terrorism.
| Incident Date | Target District | Households Affected | Duration |
| September 2024 | Treptow-Köpenick | 50,000 | 60 Hours |
| January 2026 | Southwest Berlin | 45,000 | Expected 5-6 Days |