A series of powerful blasts hit a Russian military base in Crimea province, a Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in 2014, on Tuesday. The blasts were seen across the province, including on beaches and resorts where tourists vacation.
Saky City Hall, where the explosions were seen, ordered the evacuation of all residents and tourists from the city.
According to testimonies from the Portal news agency, there were at least 12 explosions of varying intensity within a minute. A thick cloud of black smoke could also be seen from the direction of the Russian military airfield Novofedorivka.
Local residents share photos and videos of the cloud of smoke in the region via social networks.
1 of 1 One of about 12 explosions heading towards the Russian military airbase in Crimea, taken by local residents on August 9, 2022. — Photo: via Portal
One of about 12 blasts toward the Russian military airbase in Crimea recorded by local residents on August 9, 2022. — Photo: via Portal
The Russian Defense Ministry denied that it was an attack, claiming the blast was caused by munitions detonating at the base. The Ukrainian government has yet to react.
Crimea’s Russian governor Sergei Aksyonov confirmed the blasts but said by telegram that he was on his way to the area to find out the circumstances of the episode.