Kyiv, Ukraine (TEH) – The Russian-controlled region of Crimea was recently rattled by a series of explosions and a fire, reportedly sparked by an alleged drone attack on a military airfield in the Krasnogvardeisky district, situated in the central part of Crimea. Telegram channels are currently sharing videos showing billowing smoke and ongoing explosions in the area. Reports suggest that an oil depot in the vicinity has also been set ablaze.
The Russian-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, confirmed the incident, attributing it to a Ukrainian drone targeting an ammunition depot. Aksyonov informed that while an explosion had occurred, there was no immediate report of damage or casualties. As a precautionary measure, an evacuation within a 5-kilometer radius was initiated, and traffic on the Crimean railway was suspended.
The Strategic Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that the drone attack destroyed an oil depot and warehouses belonging to the Russian army in Oktyabrsky, situated in the Krasnogvardeisky district of Crimea. The Ukrainian military, however, has withheld further details regarding the incident.
The Russian authorities have issued a stern warning, threatening to “attack decision-making centers” if Western weapons are used to target facilities in Crimea. Notably, this warning did not include explicit mention of drones.
This alleged drone attack follows a series of similar incidents in the region. On July 19, a fire broke out at a military training ground in the Kirovsky district of Crimea, with an ammunition depot near the city of Stary Krym reportedly catching fire. While the Russian authorities did not disclose the cause of the fire, some reports suggest a drone attack may have been responsible.
Furthermore, on July 17, multiple explosions reportedly caused damage to the Crimean Bridge. These incidents underscore the escalating tensions in the region, with alleged drone attacks becoming a cause for growing concern.
