German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stern warning, stating that those responsible for drone attacks and other hostile actions against Germany will "pay a price." His remarks follow an incident on August 4 where a drone carrying a faulty explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany.
The drone failed to detonate, and authorities subsequently defused the explosives. Investigators are also examining the possibility that a second drone may have collided with a nearby cargo aircraft. German reports indicate a third drone was later found in the vicinity of the airport, and traces of the military explosive hexogen were reportedly discovered nearby.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is a significant logistical hub, utilized by the German military and NATO allies for transporting military goods. It also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines and is a major operational center for the logistics group DHL.
Merz emphasized that Germany is facing a "very real threat" and is increasingly becoming a target. "We have problems, some of which stem from outside the country, and which we must not ignore," he said, noting that "attackers are increasingly ruthless, accepting even severe property damage, and even injuries and fatalities."
While security experts have speculated about potential Russian involvement, the German government has made no direct accusations. Moscow has denied any involvement in the incident. Merz indicated that the government is working closely with security authorities and expects to release further details soon.