Germany Faces Daily “Hybrid War” Attacks from Abroad, Interior Minister Warns
Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, stated on Sunday (August 9) that Germany faces daily “hybrid war” attacks from abroad. Just a few days ago, Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany discovered a drone carrying an unidentified explosive device, causing disruptions to the airport’s operations.
Dobrindt made these remarks in an interview with Bild am Sonntag. He also mentioned that foreign forces are trying to sow fear in Germany in an attempt to influence the country politically and socially.
“We are not in a state of war, but we are the target of ‘hybrid war’ every day,” Dobrindt said. “Activities such as espionage, sabotage, cyber-attacks, and secret operations carried out by foreign forces to disrupt Germany’s stability or directly harm Germany have become a continuing reality.”
On Tuesday night (August 4), Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany discovered a drone carrying an explosive device, leading to flight disruptions and some planes being diverted. Dobrindt remarked that this drone incident falls under the “hybrid attack scenario” and hinted at potential involvement of foreign forces.
Some German lawmakers believe Russia may be involved. However, the Russian Embassy in Berlin refuted these allegations on Friday (August 7), calling them baseless accusations against Russia.
Just two days after the Leipzig Airport drone incident, another drone event occurred in Germany. The German military announced on Saturday (August 8) that two drones were spotted above a military base in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia on Thursday night (August 6).
Upon confirming the presence of the drones, military police were deployed to the scene, and the case was handed over to the local police in Euskirchen. A spokesperson for the German Armed Forces stated that the police are conducting an investigation but did not disclose further details.
Reports from German media indicate that the military base houses a highly secure underground facility for storing military equipment and parts, as well as serving as a base for personnel responsible for maintaining the US “Patriot” air defense system.
Interior Minister Dobrindt emphasized that Germany is expanding its research on drones to counter new threats.
(Translated and rephrased with reference to reports from Reuters.)