German prosecutor sees evidence of attempted explosion in drone case
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- German prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest an attempt to create an explosion with a drone carrying explosives found at Leipzig airport.
- The state prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation due to the case's "special significance."
- The incident led to temporary airport closures and diversions, with the interior minister calling it a "hybrid attack scenario."
German authorities are treating the discovery of a drone laden with explosives at Leipzig airport as a potential attempt to cause a significant explosion. The state prosecutor's office has assumed control of the investigation, citing the case's "special significance."
There is sufficient evidence, suggesting that an attempt was made to create an explosion when a drone with explosives was found at the airport in Leipzig, Germany.
German counter-terrorism police launched an investigation after the drone was found in a restricted cargo area of the airport, one of Europe's largest freight hubs. The discovery prompted the temporary shutdown of parts of the airport, leading to flight suspensions and diversions. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a "hybrid attack scenario," highlighting a "new threat level" posed by weaponized drones.
The incident was a 'hybrid attack scenario.'
Dobrindt emphasized the professional nature of the preparation, stating it was "not carried out by amateurs" and required "a great deal of technical experience." While drone sightings are not new, the presence of explosives marks a concerning escalation. German specialists have since disarmed the drone. Authorities are also investigating a separate incident where a cargo plane reportedly struck an object, believed to be a drone, after being rerouted from the airport. Despite the disruption, officials assured that there was no danger to passengers or airport staff, and operations largely resumed by Wednesday morning.
It is not 'carried out by amateurs,' but very 'professionally prepared,' and requires a 'large amount of technical experience.'
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.