UK and Germany Raise Alarms Over Airport Explosives, Warning of Russian Sabotage

French authorities have issued an alert warning that they must prepare for the possibility of Russian-backed drone attacks in connection with the recent discovery of explosives at a German airport.

According to Reuters and other outlets, Céline Berthon, head of France's domestic intelligence agency, the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), sounded the alarm during a business forum held on the 26th local time, warning that local defense and tech companies could also become direct targets.

Regarding the state of high alert triggered by the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany on the 4th, she noted, "It appears to have targeted aircraft supporting the Ukrainian military," and emphasized, "This is a signal that we must consider the possibility of more direct and violent actions taking place on our soil."

Berthon pointed out that these threats pose a direct concern especially to the French defense and tech industries, and more broadly to strategic sectors including energy and telecommunications.

However, she did not directly name the party behind the threat during her remarks that day.

At the same time, she explained to business leaders attending the forum that so-called hybrid threats have "surged" since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

These hybrid threats include cyber intrusions and attacks involving local operatives.

Reuters noted that such public remarks by the head of French intelligence are considered unusual.

These comments also align with warning remarks made the previous day by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In his remarks on the 25th, Chancellor Merz announced that he would soon reveal who is behind the attempted drone attack at the airport.

Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a logistics corridor for military supplies destined for Ukraine. With explosives discovered at German airports three times this month alone, NATO member states are on high alert regarding the possibility of Russian sabotage operations.

Russia has completely denied accusations that it is behind the incidents.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.