Germany Probes Suspected Drone Attack Near Leipzig Airport Over Security Threat

Post by : Saif

Germany's federal prosecutor has taken control of an investigation into a suspected drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, raising concerns over a possible threat to national security and critical infrastructure.

Authorities said there is sufficient evidence to believe that a drone discovered near the airport on Tuesday was intended to cause an explosion. Investigators found what prosecutors described as professional explosives and a detonator attached to the drone.

The federal prosecutor took over the case from prosecutors in Dresden as authorities examine whether the incident was part of a deliberate attack against Germany's transport and logistics infrastructure.

Drone Found Near Key Airport

Police discovered the drone close to a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, an important cargo and military logistics hub in eastern Germany.

Investigators are examining how the drone reached the airport area and who may have been responsible for deploying it. German authorities have not identified any suspects so far.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a possible hybrid attack and said authorities could not rule out the involvement of foreign powers.

Cargo Plane Reportedly Hit Another Drone

Security concerns increased after a second object, believed by prosecutors to have been another drone, collided with a cargo aircraft near the airport.

The aircraft was attempting a go-around after the security incident when it reportedly struck the object. The plane later landed safely in Hanover with minor damage.

Investigators are now examining whether the two drone incidents were connected.

Leipzig/Halle Is Important for NATO Logistics

Leipzig/Halle Airport plays an important role in Germany's cargo network and military logistics.

The airport is the main base for NATO's Strategic Airlift International Solution, known as SALIS. The programme uses Antonov cargo aircraft to transport equipment and support NATO's eastern flank.

Several Ukrainian Antonov An-124 aircraft were reportedly near the location where the drone was discovered.

Flights were temporarily suspended following the incident, affecting cargo operations involving DHL and other companies using the airport.

Airport Operations Return to Normal

Airport officials said operations had returned to normal after the security incident. No additional security measures had been introduced at the airport by Thursday, according to a spokesperson.

Authorities continue to investigate the origin of the drones, the explosives and the possible motive behind the suspected attack.

Russia Among Possible Suspects

German authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed who may have been behind the incident.

Dobrindt said foreign powers could not be ruled out. Some German lawmakers have pointed toward Russia, although there is currently no confirmed evidence publicly linking Moscow to the incident.

German officials have previously accused Russia of involvement in various hybrid activities, including actions that stop short of conventional warfare.

The investigation is expected to focus on whether the drone operation was an isolated security breach or part of a wider attempt to target Germany's critical infrastructure and NATO-related logistics.

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