Germany opens terrorism probe after explosive drone found at air cargo hub
Flights were briefly suspended and several cargo planes were diverted, though authorities said there was no danger to passengers or airport staff.
German authorities have launched a counterterrorism investigation after an explosive-drone was discovered near the runway at Leipzig/Halle airport, causing flight suspensions and diversions. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the attack marks a new level of danger due to the hybrid nature of the incident. The drone, carrying explosives, was found in a cargo area near the southern runway overnight, prompting the temporary closure of parts of the airport.
Most operations resumed by morning, with one runway reopened, but an unidentified object was struck by a cargo plane that had been diverted from the airport. German airports have been under heightened alert following a series of unauthorized drone overflights at various high-profile sites, including military facilities, energy terminals, seaports, and logistics companies.
Federal police have suggested that these overflights may have been orchestrated by Russian agents. Anti-extremism prosecutors and counterterrorism officers are now leading the investigation, having been informed of the explosive-drone incident.
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