More than dozen flights in Europe receive bomb threats that an official calls 'malicious' hoaxes

On Thursday, an alarming surge of bomb threats targeting over a dozen European flights emerged, resulting in numerous emergency landings and military escorts, according to authorities. No dangerous or suspicious substances were discovered, with a British official describing these incidents as "malicious hoaxes." Earlier in the week, comparable threats had been made against planes, prompting additional searches and flight diversions. A total of at least 25 flights in Europe were reportedly targeted by these threats.

Europe has recently witnessed a series of other disruptions, including attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, drone incursions, and mysterious alerts to warning apps. While fake bomb threats are commonplace, the sheer number of incidents occurring on a single day is unusual. The current geopolitical tensions and warnings from authorities about Russia potentially escalating "hybrid threats" in Europe have contributed to the heightened state of alert.

The motive behind these threats remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether they were coordinated, the sender's identity, or their intended purpose. One email containing a threat to flights bound for Rome was sent on behalf of a group that identified itself as anti-feminist, as per a provided copy. The connection between these threats remains unclear, and authorities are working to ascertain the full scope and intentions behind this wave of "malicious hoaxes."