Investigators examining an explosive-laden drone discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport have found DNA traces that may connect the incident to a 2024 parcel bomb case, according to German media reports.

The drone was discovered on August 5 after reportedly striking an Antonov Airlines cargo aircraft at the airport. The aircraft was carrying ammunition destined for Ukraine, according to reports. The incident disrupted airport operations and raised concerns about a possible attack on aviation infrastructure.

Die Zeit reported that security camera footage showed the drone flying toward the Ukrainian aircraft at about 7:30pm before hitting its wing. The device reportedly contained Semtex and a detonator, but the explosives did not detonate when the drone struck the aircraft.

According to Bild, the drone hit the aircraft close to its fuel tank. The explosives apparently separated from the drone and landed some distance away.

The drone was not detected by airport security systems later that evening, according to the reports. An airport bus driver reportedly discovered it about four hours after the collision and stepped on the device before authorities were alerted.

Investigators later recovered DNA material from the drone. Bild and Die Zeit reported that the DNA produced a match in a European database, with the trail reportedly pointing toward Lithuania. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect.

The DNA is also reportedly being compared with evidence from a July 2024 arson and parcel bomb case involving a DHL logistics facility at Leipzig Airport.

The 2024 incident involved an explosive package that detonated on the ground after a DHL aircraft carrying it was delayed. Several suspects have been on trial in Vilnius since spring over allegations linked to the attack.

Lithuanian prosecutors have accused individuals of terrorism and sabotage carried out on behalf of a foreign power. They have said improvised explosive attacks were organised and coordinated by Russian citizens allegedly connected to Russian military intelligence.

European authorities have previously linked a wider 2024 campaign involving suspicious parcels to Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. The alleged targets included Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the latest Leipzig incident on suspicion of attempting to detonate an explosive device and endangering air traffic.

German officials have so far avoided directly accusing Russia of involvement. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt referred to the possible role of foreign powers.

The Kremlin has denied responsibility. The Russian embassy in Berlin described the incident as a provocation against Moscow and accused Germany of encouraging anti-Russian sentiment.

Investigators are continuing to examine the drone, DNA evidence and possible links to the earlier attacks before drawing conclusions about those responsible.

The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving President Donald Trump a close political and legal ally at the head of the Justice Department and renewing concerns about the agency’s independence from the White House.

Blanche, who previously represented Trump as a private lawyer in several criminal cases, was approved by the Republican-controlled Senate early Saturday by 50 votes to 49. Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing the nomination.

He had already been serving as acting attorney general since Trump dismissed Pam Bondi in April.

The confirmation places Blanche in charge of the Justice Department at a time when the administration faces criticism over its approach to federal law enforcement and investigations involving Trump’s political opponents.

Blanche said he was “deeply honored” by Trump’s confidence in him and thanked Senate members and Justice Department employees following the vote.

Trump has described Blanche as a “star” and has sought greater control over federal agencies that have traditionally maintained a degree of independence from the presidency.

Democrats strongly opposed Blanche’s nomination, arguing that his previous role as Trump’s personal attorney created a conflict with the responsibilities of attorney general.

Senator Dick Durbin, the leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said during the confirmation process that the attorney general should represent the public rather than serve the interests of the president.

The nomination also faced resistance from some Republicans over proposals associated with Blanche and the Trump administration.

One disputed measure involved a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate people whom Trump described as victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Critics argued that the proposal could benefit individuals prosecuted over the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Another controversy involved a proposal concerning tax audits of Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization.

Blanche sought to ease Republican concerns by issuing a written order scrapping the proposed political “anti-weaponization fund.” He also said the tax audit arrangement would apply only to previous tax years and not future filings.

Since becoming acting attorney general, Blanche has faced criticism over the administration’s efforts to investigate individuals and institutions viewed as political opponents.

He has also faced scrutiny over the Justice Department’s handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including concerns raised by some victims about the release of investigative material.

Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche represented Trump in his New York criminal case involving payments to adult-film performer Stormy Daniels. He also served on Trump’s legal teams in federal cases concerning classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Both federal cases were dropped after Trump returned to the White House following the 2024 election.

Blanche’s confirmation now gives Trump a confirmed attorney general closely familiar with his legal and political priorities, intensifying debate over the future independence of the Justice Department.