Regarding the incident at Leipzig Airport – Minister's cryptic words: expert expresses surprise

Leipzig/Halle Airport experienced significant disruption after drones carrying explosives were discovered on its premises. The incident, which occurred on a Tuesday night, involved two drones. Airport employees found one drone equipped with explosives on the "Südpiste" runway, near a Ukrainian transport aircraft, an Antonov AN-124 Condor. A second drone reportedly collided with a cargo plane in mid-air, though it caused no major damage. Flights at the airport were completely suspended for a period due to these events.

“

hybrid attack scenario

Adding a layer of concern is the airport's strategic importance to Ukraine. The Ukrainian airline Antonov is currently constructing a new maintenance hangar at the Leipzig/Halle Airport. Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the airline has relocated its entire fleet of six aircraft to this German airport. Furthermore, the airport serves as a cargo hub, facilitating the transport of military aid to Ukraine, among other shipments.

“

perhaps foreign powers are involved

This is not the first security incident at the airport. In July 2024, a dangerous situation was narrowly averted when a package containing an incendiary device ignited on the ground rather than during flight. Investigations revealed that this package was sent on behalf of Russian secret services, naturally drawing attention to Moscow in the current drone incident.

“

We are talking about hybrid warfare, because that is Russian doctrine.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt addressed the situation with carefully chosen words, referring to it as a serious "hybrid attack scenario" and a new type of threat. However, he refrained from naming suspected perpetrators, vaguely suggesting that "foreign powers" might be involved, aiming to increase feelings of insecurity in Germany. This cautious phrasing surprised terrorism expert Peter R. Neumann, a professor at King's College London. Neumann suggested that while the minister likely intended to imply Russia, he may have been advised against direct accusation, as publicly blaming Russia could be perceived as a "form of declaration of war," necessitating further action.

“

He probably wanted to say 'Russia', but was convinced that it would not be wise.