Germany says Russia behind attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport

JUST IN: Germany holds Russia 'responsible' for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport, saying an explosives-laden drone deliberately targeted a Ukrainian cargo aircraft on August 4. Berlin summons Russia's ambassador and moves to tighten sanctions.

Germany says Russia tried to blow up an aircraft on German soil.

Berlin's government formally blamed Moscow today for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Halle airport on August 4. Investigators found a drone packed with explosives and a detonation mechanism sitting in the security area, right between Ukrainian cargo aircraft. A second drone may have hit a DHL plane nearby, and reports say a third, also carrying explosives, was found later.

Interior Minister Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Wadephul laid it out at a press conference in Berlin, and you can see them here. Dobrindt said the components and explosives match known Russian hybrid operations, and warned Germany should expect more attacks like it.

The response is already moving. Russia's ambassador was summoned, entry controls for Russian nationals are tightening, Berlin wants more names on EU sanctions lists, and the Russian consulate in Bonn closes on September 18. Dobrindt's words were blunt. Germany is not at war, but it is a daily target of hybrid warfare.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.