- Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the government will soon announce who is responsible for the attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport.
- Merz vowed that those responsible for hybrid attacks against Germany 'will pay a price for their actions.'
- On August 4, an explosives-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle airport, leading to flight diversions.
- A bomb disposal robot was deployed on August 5 after a DHL cargo plane collided with an unknown object mid-air but landed safely.
- On August 14, investigators found a third drone and suspected explosives (hexogen) west of the airport.
- The third drone was found to the west of the airport, along with about 50 grams of suspected military explosive hexogen.
- The Leipzig/Halle airport is a key cargo and military logistics hub used by NATO and Ukraine's Antonov Airlines for military supplies.
- Security sources suspect the involvement of Russian intelligence in the hybrid attacks, although Berlin has not made direct accusations.
- Merz indicated that Germany has increasingly found itself in the crosshairs of hybrid attackers.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that those behind the recent drone attacks on Leipzig/Halle airport will face consequences, stating, “The government is imposing a cost on the perpetrators of hybrid attacks — they will pay a price for their actions.”17
The attacks, which included the discovery of an explosives-laden drone on August 4, have raised concerns about Germany's vulnerability to hybrid threats.3
A third drone was found on August 14, along with approximately 50 grams of suspected military explosive hexogen, indicating a serious escalation in the threat level.56
Merz noted that Germany has increasingly become a target for hybrid attackers, highlighting the need for vigilance and cooperation with security authorities.
While local media speculate about Russian intelligence involvement, the government has yet to make any formal accusations. Merz stated, “We will set this out and comment on it shortly.”8
The Leipzig airport serves as a crucial hub for NATO and Ukraine's military logistics, making it a strategic target for potential attacks.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the threat posed by these incidents.
“Investigators discovered the third drone west of the airport on August 14, along with about 50 grams of suspected hexogen, and a possible control device taped to a tree in Kursdorf. Security sources suspect Russian intelligence involvement, though Berlin has not made direct accusations and Moscow denies any role.”
Euronews.com
