Israeli Weapons Firm Elbit Systems' Factory Set Ablaze in Czech Republic

An underground group calling itself Earthquake Faction said on Friday that it set fire to a factory operated by Elbit Systems in the Czech Republic.

In a statement, the group said the incident took place on March 20, in Pardubice, where Elbit Systems had established a “Centre of Excellence” in collaboration with Czech defence firm LPP Holding. The facility was described by the group as part of the company’s expansion in Europe. Pardubice is located 120km east of Prague.

Earthquake Faction said it targeted the site to destroy equipment and set the factory ablaze. The group stated that no injuries were reported during the incident.

The group described itself as an “internationalist underground network” targeting sites linked to Israel’s defense sector and said it would continue such actions. Czech media reported a protest group claimed it set fire to a “key manufacturing hub” in Pardubice to end its role in the “genocide in Gaza.”

The group further alleged that weapons produced by Elbit Systems are tested in conflict zones before being exported internationally, and said it would continue targeting the company and related entities globally.

LPP Holding confirmed a fire at one facility but said its 2023 plans to cooperate with Elbit Systems on drone production were not implemented.

​Czech ​Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he would convene a state security council meeting ​due to the incident.