Germany identifies two Russian-linked suspects in LeipzigHalle Airport drone bomb attack

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9 days · 4 summary articles
German investigators have identified two Russian-linked suspects behind the Aug. 4 drone bomb attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, according to reports by Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR.
The suspects include a Russian-born man holding a Latvian passport, described as the logistics coordinator and instructor of the planned attack, and a Belarusian man with a Russian passport. The Russian-born suspect entered Germany via Berlin Brandenburg Airport on July 29, traveled to Leipzig by rental car, and left Germany two days before the attack, also through Berlin. Investigators linked the Belarusian suspect to the scene through DNA traces found on a drone, the inside of an explosive-filled tin, and an antenna attached to a tree near the airport, which was apparently used to boost signals for mobile-controlled drones. Database matches in Lithuania and Finland, corroborated by intelligence, led authorities to the Belarusian, who had previously been flagged for offenses in multiple countries. He entered the Schengen zone on an Italian tourist visa issued in Minsk at the end of April.
The attack involved at least three drones, one of which was discovered with explosives near Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes in the airport’s secure area. A second drone reportedly collided with a DHL cargo plane, while a third was later found with explosives on a field in Saxony-Anhalt. The explosive device failed to detonate due to a faulty detonator.
Germany’s federal government officially attributed responsibility for the attack to Russia on Tuesday. In response, Berlin announced the closure of Russia’s consulate in Bonn, the termination of the contract for the Russian House cultural institute in Berlin, and tightened entry controls for Russian nationals. Russia has denied involvement. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said authorities would examine information about the suspect’s Italian-issued visa .
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