Germany news: Explosive drone defused at Leipzig airport
A German airport was disrupted for hours after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near one of the runways. Investigators are examining a possible political motive. DW has the latest.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced on Wednesday that the discovery of an armed drone armed with explosives at Leipzig airport marks a new threat scenario for the country. The minister emphasized that such a drone sighting in a hybrid context is a new threat situation, with the explosives, construction and origin of the drone currently under investigation.
Dobrindt stated that combating this threat cannot be achieved through simple measures, as it involves a competition that may include foreign powers. The incident occurred near an Antonov plane painted with the Ukrainian flag, suggesting a possible attempt to target a company of importance for Ukraine. Leipzig airport, a key transport hub for military goods, was also the site of a suspected sabotage plot in July 2024.
German authorities have accused Russia of orchestrating many such hybrid attacks, including espionage, sabotage and disinformation, although Moscow has denied involvement.
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- German police examine suspicious object at Leipzig airport dailymaverick.co.za
- Detonator removed from 'explosive drone' near jet at German airport news.sky.com
