3 weeks ago
German minister warns of daily hybrid warfare after drone attack
Germany has a person called a minister whose job is to help keep the country safe.
His name is Alexander Dobrindt.
He said that other countries are trying to hurt Germany in sneaky ways every day.
This is called 'hybrid warfare'.
It can include spying, hacking computers, or secret attacks.
He said this after someone found a drone with explosives at an airport in Germany.
A drone is a flying machine with no pilot inside.
Some German leaders think Russia might be behind it, because Russia is in a war with Ukraine.
Russia says that is not true and calls the story made up.
Germany is also planning to study drones more to protect itself.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Germany faces 'daily hybrid warfare', including espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks.
The warning followed the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany.
Some German lawmakers pointed the finger at Russia, which has been at war with Ukraine since its 2022 invasion.
Russia's embassy in Berlin dismissed the incident as a 'fabricated provocation' and an accusation without evidence.
Two drones were also spotted over a German military base in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Germany plans to expand drone research.
- Who
- German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who was quoted by Bild am Sonntag; some German lawmakers who suspect Russia.
- What
- Germany faces daily hybrid warfare from foreign powers, after an explosive-laden drone was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport and two drones were spotted over a military base in Mechernich.
- Where
- Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany and a German military base site in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia.
- When
- Reported on Sunday, August 9; the airport drone was discovered on Tuesday, drones were seen over the military base late on Thursday, and Russia responded on Friday.
- Why
- Dobrindt said foreign powers want to subdue Germany politically and socially by stirring up fear.
German officials and lawmakers
Russia
Blame for the Leipzig drone incident
German officials and lawmakers
Some German lawmakers pointed the finger at Russia, and Dobrindt called the incident a 'hybrid attack scenario' while leaving open possible involvement by foreign powers.
Russia
The Russian embassy in Berlin dismissed the event as a 'fabricated provocation' and another example of accusations against Russia without evidence.
Nature of the threats facing Germany
German officials and lawmakers
Germany is the daily target of hybrid warfare, including espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and covert operations by foreign powers aiming to destabilise the country.
Russia
Russia denies any involvement and says such accusations are made without evidence.
Key facts
- Warning by
- Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt
- Suspected incident
- Explosive-laden drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport
- Second incident
- Two drones over military base in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia
- Blame pointed at
- Russia, by some German lawmakers
- Russia's response
- Called the incident a 'fabricated provocation'
- Interview outlet
- Bild am Sonntag
- Minister's party
- Christian Social Union
- Proposed response
- Expansion of drone research in Germany
Quotes
Alexander Dobrindt
German Interior Minister
“We’re not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare. Espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks, or covert operations by foreign powers aimed at destabilising Germany or inflicting direct harm are a constant reality.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Germany Accuses Russia in Leipzig Drone Attack, Orders Retaliation
Germany Blames Russia for Explosive Drone Attack Attempt
EU Backs Germany, Signals Russia Sanctions After Leipzig Drone Attack
Germany to announce suspected drone attack culprit at Leipzig/Halle airport
Explosives-Laden Drone Found Near Ukrainian Aircraft At German Airport
Wildfire forces evacuation of over 2,000 in western Germany
Drones spotted over German military base days after suspected attack
Victims Sue German Bank After Ocean's Eleven-Style Heist
