Germany’s Chancellor Warns of Payback After Leipzig Drone Explosion
\Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, said those behind a recent drone incident would pay a price, after an explosive device was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August. The drone, which carried a faulty detonator, failed to blow up near Ukrainian cargo planes, but police were able to defuse it with a robot.
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\Investigators suspect the drone could be linked to Russian operations, though the German government has not made a direct accusation and Moscow has denied involvement. The airport, which serves the German military, NATO allies, and Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines, has been under heightened scrutiny after a third drone was found nearby.
\Merz highlighted that Germany faces a very real threat and said attackers are becoming increasingly ruthless, accepting severe damage and casualties. He assured the public that security authorities are working closely with the government and will release further details soon.
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\On the margins of a coalition retreat, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s backing for Ukraine and vowed to stay the course in supporting the nation against Russia’s invasion. He announced new measures to better protect Germany from drone attacks, including stronger defensive systems and plans to empower security services to retaliate against attackers abroad, such as hacking their computer servers.
\The Chancellor emphasized that drone incursions over military bases, airports, energy terminals, seaports and logistics companies have been mounting in recent months, pointing to possible Russian orchestration and urging unity in response.
\The German government is taking proactive steps to ensure safer skies and secure essential infrastructure, as it continues to stand by Ukraine and works to deter future hostile acts.
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