Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Friday that the wave of hoax bomb threats targeting aircraft is an attack on European democracy by autocratic forces, Digi24 reported citing dpa / Agerpres.

“It is clear this is not a coincidence,” Albares told RTVE, speaking of “an attempt at hybrid aggression and psychological warfare.” He named no country but linked the pattern to other recent incidents — cyber attacks on digital platforms and supermarket refrigeration systems.

“There are actors in the world who act this way to weaken Europe,” he added, describing the continent as a project of democracy, tolerance and social justice that unsettles those who want “the law of the strongest.”

Spain was hit too: at Madrid-Barajas, Iberia and Air Europa flights were checked after emailed threats; all were classed as false after inspections. The episode fits this week’s European wave that has affected dozens of flights.

Albares acknowledged that identifying those responsible will take time, but said “we will find out in the end.” The European Commission has activated an aviation-security information-sharing mechanism among member states.

There is still no official attribution. Western security circles often mention Russia, Iran or other actors in such scenarios; Moscow denies involvement. National investigations continue.

Image: José Manuel Albares (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0).

Sources consulted: Spain raises the alarm after bomb threats — Digi24.