Two drones were sighted over a Bundeswehr base in Mechernich, west of Bonn, late on Thursday and the case has been transferred to Euskirchen police. Earlier this week at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a drone fitted with explosives was found near Ukrainian transport aircraft and was brought down by an airport worker. An inbound cargo plane aborted its landing and collided with a smaller object; federal prosecutors have opened a formal investigation. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned the episode could be a "hybrid attack" and did not rule out foreign involvement.
Explosive Drone at Leipzig and Two Drones Spotted Over Bundeswehr Base Near Bonn
Signs point to the "Bundeswehr Depot West Staff", "Mechernich Material Depot", "Bundeswehr Fire Protection Center", "Mechernich Fire Station", "Facility Management, Technical Facility Management, Site Management in Mechernich" in the district of Euskirchen. (is associated with: «Drones sighted over military base in western Germany») Benjamin Westhoff/dpa
Two drones were reported over the Bundeswehr base in Mechernich, west of Bonn, late on Thursday, military officials said on Friday. The sightings come days after a separate, more serious security incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport involving a drone fitted with explosives.
What Happened
At about 10pm (2000 GMT) on Thursday the security control centre at the Mechernich military site flagged two unmanned aircraft over the base, a spokeswoman for the Bundeswehr Operational Command confirmed. Military police carried out initial checks before passing the matter to local police in Euskirchen, who have opened an investigation.
Separately, late on Tuesday evening at Leipzig/Halle Airport, an airport worker brought down a drone that was later found to be equipped with explosives and a detonator near Ukrainian transport aircraft. Because the runway was temporarily closed, an incoming cargo plane aborted its landing and struck a smaller unidentified flying object, which may have been a second drone. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office has taken over the Leipzig investigation.
Authorities' Response
Local police in Euskirchen are probing the Mechernich sightings, while federal prosecutors lead the more serious probe into the Leipzig incident. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the Leipzig episode as a possible hybrid attack carried out by "highly professional perpetrators" and said he had not ruled out involvement by what he called "foreign powers." Authorities have not publicly identified suspects and caution remains as investigations continue.
Note: Investigations are ongoing. Officials have not confirmed links between the Mechernich sightings and the Leipzig airport incident.
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