The Wall Street Journal reports that in early August a large Antonov cargo plane
parked at an eastern German airport — previously used to transport military aid
to Ukraine — was struck in an attack by explosive-laden drones. German officials
say the drones were controlled by Russian military intelligence; one hit the
Antonov but failed to detonate, a second struck another aircraft, and a third
exploded in the airport perimeter. Investigators said the attack, had it
succeeded, could have caused major disruption and casualties at one of Europe’s
key air-freight hubs. A European official familiar with the intelligence said
U.S. agencies assess the attempted strike at Leipzig-Halle Airport this summer
is among the 'opening acts' of an escalating campaign of sabotage and covert
operations ordered directly by Putin against NATO states.
