A shipment of German ammunition was stolen from a delivery lorry in Burg, eastern Germany, according to a statement from the country's defence ministry. The incident occurred overnight on November 25 after the driver, employed by a civilian transport company contracted by the military, left the vehicle in an unguarded parking lot. The ammunition was discovered missing the following day upon the lorry's arrival at Clausewitz Barracks.
Details of the Incident
The theft is currently under investigation by the German army (Bundeswehr) and local police. While officials have not specified the exact quantity of stolen ammunition, weekly news magazine Der Spiegel reported, citing an unnamed spokesperson, that approximately 20,000 rounds were taken. Der Spiegel, among other German news outlets, detailed the shipment as containing 10,000 rounds of live pistol ammunition, 9,900 rounds of blank ammunition for assault rifles, and smoke grenades.
Official Response and Investigation
The German defence ministry stated to German media that the theft is regarded as a serious matter, emphasizing that such ammunition must not be acquired by unauthorized parties. Authorities have not confirmed any arrests or identified suspects in connection with the incident.
Public broadcaster MDR reported that a key focus of the Bundeswehr's investigation is to ascertain why the driver did not secure the vehicle in a safe location. MDR also indicated that a special hotline is available to military contractors' drivers for assistance in identifying secure stop locations, and armed escorts can be provided if required. The driver reportedly spent the night in a nearby hotel while the vehicle remained in the unguarded lot.
Regional Context
This incident follows other reported ammunition losses in the Saxony-Anhalt region. In August, local police in Bernburg reported 90 rounds missing, and weeks prior, officers in Eisleben reported the loss of 180 rounds. No immediate connection between these cases has been established by authorities.