Germany blames Russia for Leipzig Airport drone attack
Germany has said that Russia was responsible for last month's drone attack at Leipzig Airport.
German authorities previously confirmed that a drone carrying an explosive device had been found near the airport's south runway, where cargo planes operate, forcing the temporary suspension of flights. A second, unidentified flying object collided with a cargo plane after aborting its landing due to the runway closure.
German interior minister Alexander Dobrindt said the attack on 4 August followed the "well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe" and the assumption was that Germany would be targeted again.
The BBC reports that Leipzig/Halle Airport is used by the Germany military and NATO allies for the transport of military goods. It also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines, which carries most of the country's aerial cargo.
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul, added that he would order the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn, and the contract for the Russian House cultural centre - which many observers have said has been used for espionage and to spread Russian propaganda - in Berlin will also be terminated.
