Residents Report Casualties, Explosions, and Road Closure as Ukraine's GUR Military Intelligence Agency Strikes
In a recent development, Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency announced a drone attack on a Russian military base located deep within the annexed Crimea. The attack reportedly led to casualties, explosions, and even the closure of a road. This incident occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Early on the same day, Russia reported experiencing one of the most significant coordinated air raids launched by Ukrainian forces over Russian-controlled territory. The Russian government claimed that their air defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized all 42 drones that were part of the attack. These drones were allegedly intended to strike various targets within Crimea.
Ukrainian intelligence officials disclosed that the drone attack specifically targeted Russia's 126th Coastal Defense Brigade, stationed in Perevalnoye, a town situated more than 200 km away from territories controlled by Ukraine. Confirming the impact, GUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov stated, "We confirm that there was a hit," according to reports from the Ukrainian media outlet Liga.Net.
The contested region of Crimea has been a focal point of conflict since Russia's annexation of the area in 2014, a move not recognized by most of the international community. The United States has expressed support for Ukrainian actions aimed at targeting Russian military installations on the Black Sea peninsula, with the intention of achieving its demilitarization.
Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, emphasized the significance of the recent strike, stating, "People — not only on the Ukrainian mainland but also in Crimea — need to remember and believe that our victory and their liberation are not far away."
Residents of Perevalnoye took to the Telegram messaging app to share their accounts of the attack. Reports emerged of the sound of explosions originating from the targeted military base, accompanied by mentions of casualties. However, it's important to note that these claims could not be independently verified by Reuters.
One Telegram user, known by the pseudonym Abdul Has, shared information suggesting casualties: "Two people died on a firing range, one was taken to a hospital in severe condition. This is information from above, from the firing range." Another user, going by the name Vlad the Local, indicated that at least one person had lost their life.
Questions and concerns arose among the residents, with inquiries about the closure of a gate leading to the military town. Users speculated and discussed the possible implications of the incident, while some urged caution in sharing sensitive information. A resident with the username Lis cautioned against revealing specific details, highlighting the importance of protecting sensitive information from potential adversaries.
As tensions continue to mount and both sides grapple for control in the region, the aftermath of this drone attack raises questions about the potential escalation of the conflict and the impact it may have on the geopolitical landscape.