Leipzig Drone Attack Suspects Identified

German authorities have identified two men suspected of involvement in the failed drone attack with explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August, TVP World reported, citing German media. The suspects are a Latvian citizen born in Russia and a Belarusian citizen holding a Russian passport.

The first suspect is believed to have acted as the operation's logistics coordinator and instructor, and investigators say he may have ties to Russian intelligence services. DNA evidence found on the drone led investigators to the second suspect.

The device, which contained explosives, was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane, but it did not detonate and was defused by police.

Berlin claims that its design and explosive system resembled previous Russian hybrid operations, and it has therefore attributed responsibility to Russia, which denies the allegations.

In response, Berlin announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

(mja)