US Intelligence: Russia Likely Behind Explosive Drone Incident in Germany

US intelligence officials assess that the drone carrying explosives, which was intercepted this week at Leipzig Airport in eastern Germany, is likely linked to Russian intelligence, as reported today (Friday) in The Wall Street Journal. The drone was discovered on Tuesday in a secure area near a Ukrainian cargo plane and was successfully intercepted. The unusual incident led to the closure of the airport for the night.

At the same time, authorities are investigating another unidentified object that collided with a cargo plane after it aborted its landing due to the airport's closure. The plane sustained only minor damage and landed safely at a nearby airport. Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, warned of a "new level of danger" and a "hybrid attack scenario" while describing the incident to the media.

Assessment: Vladimir Putin to Challenge NATO

Although Dobrindt did not directly accuse Russia, the report notes that security officials in the US suspect Moscow is behind a series of attempts to disrupt and damage infrastructure in Europe. Signs have also been identified that Russia is conducting operations designed to test NATO's response, including the launch of cruise missiles that landed in Poland and drones that penetrated Romania.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin may attempt to test NATO's resolve through limited action against one of the alliance's member states in the coming years," the report states, citing new US intelligence assessments.

According to these assessments, possible scenarios range from cyberattacks to limited ground incursions.