German official denies reported ammunition find in suspected drone attack

German authorities are investigating a suspected hybrid attack following the discovery of an explosives-laden drone at the Leipzig/Halle Airport, a significant cargo and NATO logistics hub in eastern Germany. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday, has prompted a counterterrorism investigation.

Senior lawmaker Detlef Seif, a member of the governing conservatives and the parliamentary interior committee, has refuted media reports suggesting a Ukrainian cargo aircraft parked near the drone was carrying military ammunition. Citing information he received, Seif stated unequivocally that "the planes were not loaded with ammunition or weapons."

Previous reports by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR, citing a confidential police report, had claimed that a Ukrainian cargo aircraft was transporting military ammunition and that the explosives on the drone were of a high military grade. However, Seif's denial directly contradicts these findings.

The drone was discovered near several Antonov An-124 cargo planes, which are part of NATO's Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) initiative. The hub plays a crucial role in delivering equipment to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank. The incident led to flight suspensions and diversions at the airport. Additionally, authorities are searching for debris from another unidentified object that damaged a freight jet mid-air near the airport on the same night.

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the planes were not loaded with ammunition or weapons