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Germany launches emergency response after Russian-linked drone near DHL plane

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Interior minister Alexander Dobrindt ordered an emergency response after a semtex-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian DHL cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport on Tuesday.
U.S. officials said the drone likely belonged to the Russian government because the explosive material indicated a military manufacturer.
Investigators linked DNA at the scene to a July 2024 DHL fire-bomb, tying the drone to five men on trial in Lithuania for alleged Russian intelligence ties.

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Story summary

Interior minister Alexander Dobrindt ordered an emergency response after a semtex-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian DHL cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport on Tuesday.
U.S. officials said the drone likely belonged to the Russian government because the explosive material indicated a military manufacturer.
Investigators linked DNA at the scene to a July 2024 DHL fire-bomb, tying the drone to five men on trial in Lithuania for alleged Russian intelligence ties.