Germany states that Russia planned to carry out a terror attack using an explosive drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, according to a report.
Germany has officially stated that Russia planned a terror attack using an explosive drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, according to a report. The statement, which offers no additional details on the plot's timeline or arrests, marks the most explicit attribution yet from Berlin.
This development follows a series of reports earlier today (Wed 13:10 Jerusalem). First, The Zioneer reported that German authorities had opened a sabotage investigation after an explosive drone was found on the tarmac beside a Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, and a DHL cargo plane was struck by an unidentified object. Shortly after, it was reported that German security services had concluded Russia was behind the incident. Third, Bild reported that a ground worker at the airport personally intercepted a drone equipped with a homemade explosive device, bringing it down and holding it until federal police arrived 11 minutes later. The Dresden public prosecutor's office and the Saxony state criminal investigation office are investigating.
Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a key logistics hub for support to Ukraine. As The Zioneer reported on July 24, a Russian drone previously headed toward a Romanian airport, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets. The German air force chief has also stated that Berlin is prepared to strike Russian targets, reflecting heightened tensions.
It remains unclear whether today's official statement is based on the same evidence as the earlier security services' assessment or on new intelligence. No arrests have been reported, and the investigation continues.
4 developments
- StrongRussian drone reportedly heads toward Romanian airport, NATO intercepts
- DevelopingRussian drone operator reportedly threw FPV drone at Ukrainian drone, causing explosion
- DevelopingDramatic footage shows explosive drone crash near bathers on Russian beach
- DevelopingGerman air force chief says Berlin ready to strike Russian targets 'tonight'
Source and signal
- Open-source intake