A telecommunications tower saboteur has struck again, targeting the Arguayo area of Santiago del Teide and surrounding regions in Spain.
Since early yesterday morning, residents and tourists in these areas have experienced significant disruptions in mobile phone networks, Wi-Fi, radio stations, and other telecommunications services.
The vandal responsible for these attacks remains at large in the south of Tenerife.
Technicians from affected companies and officers from the Guardia Civil, who responded to the scene, believe this attack is linked to previous incidents involving the same perpetrator or group.
Earlier this year, two fires were set on Mount Guaza, causing considerable damage to transmission towers and related infrastructure. The fires occurred on March 13 and April 14, requiring firefighters to climb the mountain with extinguishers to contain the blazes.
The latest attack, likely in response to the ongoing investigation by the Guardia Civil, occurred in a different location, focusing on a site in Santiago del Teide.
The saboteur cut various cables and destroyed electrical metres connected to the telecom companies. Fortunately, the intended fires did not ignite due to the failure of delayed fuses.
Despite this narrow escape, the effects of these acts of sabotage are significant. The two fires on Mount Guaza caused extensive damage, disrupting services for thousands of people in densely populated areas like Las Chafiras and Los Cristianos. Major telecommunications companies, such as Vodafone, faced challenges in restoring connectivity to their customers.
Authorities continue to search for the suspect, with the primary suspicion pointing toward a single individual. In the meantime, residents and tourists are advised to remain patient as efforts to restore telecommunications services continue.
Local law enforcement has increased patrols in affected areas, aiming to prevent further acts of sabotage and bring the culprit to justice.
