Disaster Narrowly Avoided in Russia-Prepared Drone Attack at Leipzig/Halle
Details and Political Reactions to the Leipzig/Halle Drone Incident
Chancellor Merz's Statement on the Attack
BERLIN, Sept 9 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday that an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport had been prepared in Russia over an extended period and that a disaster was only narrowly averted.
Attack Planning and Prevention
"This attack was planned in Russia for months and was specifically targeted at Germany, and only by pure chance was major material damage and harm to people prevented," Merz told the lower house of parliament.
Political Context and Responses
Impact of State Election Results
Merz spoke after the far-right Alternative for Germany scored a major victory in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, running on a platform that includes calls for closer ties with Moscow.
Russia's Denial and Official Statements
Foreign Minister's Response
Russia has rejected any involvement in the drone incident at Leipzig airport, and its foreign minister has said these accusations were "the start of a real war".
(Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Matthias Williams, writing by Kirsti Knolle, editing by Thomas Seythal)