Putin 'plots drone strikes on Mediterranean tourist destinations' as holidaymakers put on alert

Putin 'plots drone strikes on Mediterranean tourist destinations' as holidaymakers put on alert Spain, France or Italy could be attacked using drones launched from merchant ships, a US intelligence source has said Vladimir Putin is plotting drone strikes on popular Mediterranean tourist countries, according to a new report citing US intelligence. Drone attacks are possible on Spain, France or Italy from merchant ships out at sea, it is claimed. The threats were revealed by Spanish outlet El Mundo, which warned the attacks could involve fearsome Gerbera drones, which have a range of 600km. Such strikes could pose a nightmare for holidaymakers in popular resorts in the three countries. According to the newspaper, US agencies produced a detailed report warning of the possible Russian operation. All three - like Britain - supply military assistance to Ukraine in the war. The newspaper does not name US officials behind the claims, but a defence-connected source in NATO state Lithuania said: “They will use drones launched from the sea and hidden in cargo containers. “It is not that complicated.” The drones can reach speeds of up to 100mph and have a maximum range of around 370 miles. The range depends on the explosive payload and variables such as wind. In Ukrainian Black Sea resort Odesa, Putin’s forces have regularly terrorised beachgoers even if the targets are inland. The Gerber’s payload is enough to cause fires, damage exposed equipment or temporarily close a port or airport. No specific targets were named in the El Mundo article. The “potential impact could be not only material, but also political and economic”. The report comes amid Western intelligence warnings that Russia could stage limited attacks on NATO states in months not years. Until now, the threat has been perceived mainly in Northern Europe, with drones already violating the airspace of NATO states Poland, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia as well as pro-Western Moldova. Germany has been a victim of a Russian drone operation in Leipzig. Sources say European states were warned of the Russian threat including to the Mediterranean after CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow one month ago when he spoke to Putin’s spymasters. President Emmanuel Macron is known to have convened his Defence Council on September 16, and two days later, he summoned the leaders of all political parties and the candidates for the 2027 presidential election to the Élysée Palace. Spain and Italy also face elections next year. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also admitted receiving a warning of Russian attacks against countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.