Full Breakdown
Sabotage Attack Damages Majority of Bulgaria’s Secret Starlink Antenna Site
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Arson at a Secret Starlink Facility Near Sofia
On October 13, Bulgarian MP Ivaylo Mirchev reported that two masked individuals set fire to 11 of the 17 SpaceX antennas at a secret installation outside Sofia. The antennas provide the primary link to Starlink satellites, a network used in the war in Ukraine. No official media release preceded the MP’s disclosure.
Background & Context
Starlink’s ground infrastructure in Eastern Europe supports civilian connectivity and military communications for Ukraine. A similar fire occurred on September 23 at a Starlink ground station in Wola Krobowska, Poland, prompting a sabotage investigation. The Bulgarian incident raises concerns about the security of satellite-communication assets in the region.
Timeline
- September 23 – Fire at the Wola Krobowska (Poland) Starlink facility.
- October 13 – MP Ivaylo Mirchev posts on Facebook about the arson in Bulgaria and raises parliamentary questions.
- October 14 – Prime Minister Rumen Radev says the investigation is “under control” and “extremely intensive.”
Data & Statistics
- Total antennas at the Sofia site: 17.
- Antennas damaged by fire: 11.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed a joint investigation with partner intelligence services and warned that premature disclosure could jeopardize the operation. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said the Ministry of Internal Affairs has introduced additional security measures for similar facilities, noting that primary responsibility for protection rests with the owners.
Criticism & Opposition
MP Ivaylo Mirchev questioned the effectiveness of Bulgaria’s counter-intelligence efforts, citing a recent briefing in which the head of the State Agency for National Security (DANS) claimed active work against Russian-linked sabotage. Mirchev argued that the agency’s performance has been inadequate and demanded clarification on whether prior warnings were received.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ad Ad “At a secret facility near Sofia, 11 antennas used for Starlink communications were deliberately set on fire.” — Ivaylo Mirchev
- “An investigation is underway, and it is extremely intensive. I urge the head of DANS not to disclose details at this stage, despite your exceptionally keen curiosity. But it is only a matter of a very short time. We are working with partner services to bring this operation to a successful conclusion,” — Rumen Radev
- “Although responsibility for protecting these facilities lies with their owners, the Interior Ministry’s agencies have taken additional measures to protect similar sites across the country,” — Ivan Demerdzhiev