Germany to Name Suspect in 3-Drone Leipzig Attack, Weighs Russia Sanctions
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 31
Germany to Name Suspect in 3-Drone Leipzig Attack, Weighs Russia Sanctions
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 31
Summary
Friedrich Merz said Germany will in the coming days identify who it believes was behind the 4 August drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport and unveil a response coordinated with EU and Nato partners.
Three drones were found around the airport: one carrying explosives near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane loaded with kerosene, a second that may have hit a DHL freighter, and a third recovered in a nearby field.
Forensic investigators found residue initially identified as hexogen, and media reports citing the probe said the explosives failed to detonate even though the perpetrators may have planned a much larger attack.
Die Welt and Politico reported Berlin will blame Russia and prepare measures including a broad sanctions package, tougher action against Moscow's shadow fleet and possibly closing Berlin's Russian House; Moscow denies involvement.
The announcement could come around EU ministerial meetings in Ireland this week, landing days before eastern German state votes where support for Ukraine and relations with Russia are central campaign issues.