Drone Incident at Leipzig Airport: Latvian Citizen Suspected

German authorities have identified two men suspected of involvement in an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport, according to Süddeutsche Zeitung. One is a Latvian citizen of Russian origin, while the other is a Russian citizen from Belarus.

The investigation has reinforced the German government’s claim that Russia stood behind the incident. On Aug. 4, authorities found a drone carrying explosives at the airport, which plays an important role in military transport. Police used a robot to neutralize the explosives after finding the device near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft. A second drone may have collided with a nearby DHL logistics aircraft. Authorities have since found a third drone, also fitted with explosives.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the attempted attack matched a known pattern of Russian hybrid operations. He said the German government had “concluded that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack that took place in Leipzig on Aug. 4.” Investigators found drone components, explosives, a detonator and other elements they said resembled equipment used in Russian hybrid operations and the war against Ukraine. Dobrindt described the device as evidence of advanced technical expertise and careful planning, but said the operation appeared to have been assigned to lower-level agents.

Die Zeit reported that Germany’s federal prosecutor is investigating the two suspects. Investigators believe they have identified the logistics specialist and instructor behind the planned attack. The Latvian passport holder allegedly had links to Russian security services, entered Germany through Berlin Airport in late July and traveled toward Leipzig in a rental car. He left Germany by air through Berlin two days before the incident.

DNA found on a drone, inside an explosives-filled box and on an antenna attached to a tree near the airport led investigators to the second suspect. The antenna apparently helped strengthen signals for drones controlled through mobile networks. Comparisons with European databases produced matches in Lithuania and Finland. Authorities traced the suspect, who allegedly entered Germany on an Italian tourist visa issued in Minsk in late April. Investigators remain skeptical that the alleged perpetrators can be prosecuted.

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concluded that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack that took place in Leipzig on Aug. 4.