Germany accuses Russia of being behind attack on Leipzig airport

Berlin, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- The German government officially accused Russia on Tuesday of being behind a failed drone attack using an explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicle targeting Leipzig-Halle Airport, one of the most important logistics hubs in Germany and Europe. The announcement came during a brief press conference attended by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. Dobrindt stated that investigation results indicated the operation was carried out under Russian orders, noting that this assessment was based on police investigation findings, patterns of attack execution, and intelligence information. Regarding Germany’s response to the attack, Wadephul said the country would close the Russian consulate general in Bonn by September 18, cancel the agreement with “Russian House” in Berlin, which serves as a Russian cultural center, and recall the Russian ambassador to Berlin. Earlier today, the newspapers Welt and Politico reported that the German government was preparing a wide-ranging package of measures in response to what Berlin describes as Russian activities targeting security and infrastructure within Germany. Leipzig-Halle Airport holds particular significance, as its role extends beyond civil aviation and commercial cargo to include being a key logistics hub for DHL. The airport is also used for military transport operations by the German armed forces and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), leading German authorities to view the attempted attack as a serious security incident that could transcend traditional attacks on civilian facilities. (End) A.N.J. / M.A.A.