Explosions at military airfield in Sevastopol: occupying "authorities" claim it’s air defence in action
ALONA MAZURENKO — THURSDAY, 18 AUGUST 2022, 23:11
Russian and local Telegram channels are reporting explosions at the aggressors’ military airfield in Sevastopol. However, the occupying "authorities" claim that air defence is operating in the region.
Source: Krym.Realii (Crimea.Realities, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty); Mikhail Razvozhayev (the Russian proxy "governor" of Sevastopol) on Telegram
Details: Razvozhayev claims that "air defence systems shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle" over the Belbek airfield.
He also claims that there were no casualties or damage.
This is allegedly the second drone shot down by the Russians in Crimea this evening, according to the occupiers.
A Reuters journalist, citing sources in occupied Crimea, writes that at least four explosions have been heard near the Belbek airfield.
AT LEAST FOUR EXPLOSIONS ROCK CITY OF SEVASTOPOL IN RUSSIAN-ANNEXED CRIMEA - LOCAL SOURCES - Reuters News
— Felix Light (@felix_light) August 18, 2022
CRIMEAN SOURCES SAY BLASTS TOOK PLACE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BELBEK MILITARY AIRPORT NORTH OF SEVASTOPOL - Reuters News
— Felix Light (@felix_light) August 18, 2022
Background:
- On the evening of 18 August, residents of Kerch in occupied Crimea heard explosions. The Russian occupying authorities claim that air defence systems had been activated. According to social media, "the whole of Kerch" heard the first loud blasts at 20:42. Another powerful sound resembling an explosion was reported at 20:56. The Russian occupying authorities claimed that it was an air defence operating near Kerch and that they had shot down a drone.
- Moreover, on the evening of 18 August, the Russians reported that an ammunition depot was on fire near the village of Timonovo, Belgorod Oblast, in the Russian Federation. Residents of the villages of Timonovo and Soloti have been evacuated to a safe distance.
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