Image for representation purposes only The CIA has warned European countries about a suspected Russian plan to launch drones from commercial ships in the Mediterranean, with Spain, France and Italy named as possible targets, Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported. The plan reportedly involves hiding Gerbera drones inside shipping containers and launching them from vessels in international waters. The drones could reach the coast within one or two hours, according to the newspaper, which cited an anonymous Lithuanian intelligence source. The report has not been confirmed. There is no confirmation that Russia has started preparing for such an attack or that any commercial vessel has been involved. European countries face growing concerns over Russian drone activity, sabotage and other forms of hybrid warfare. The possible use of commercial ships to launch attacks could also create new security concerns for Mediterranean ports and coastal infrastructure. El Mundo published its report late Wednesday, September 23, citing an anonymous Lithuanian intelligence source and other unnamed diplomatic and defence sources. According to the newspaper, Lithuania and other European countries were informed of the suspected threat shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow aboard a US military aircraft on August 25. The newspaper reported that a CIA assessment was circulating among European leaders and foreign ministries by mid-September. Several unnamed defence analysts also told El Mundo they knew of a report describing a possible attack. The report also referred to recent political meetings in France. President Emmanuel Macron convened the Defence Council on September 16. Two days later, he met political party leaders and candidates for the 2027 presidential election at the Élysée Palace. However, the report did not establish whether these meetings were linked to the suspected drone threat. El Mundo suggested that Spain, France and Italy could be tar