Illustrative Image
On the evening of May 23, the Ukrainian/NATO military launched another missile attack on the Crimean peninsula. According to the local reports, explosions thundered throughout the peninsula, except its western part. The attack was presumably launched by Ukrainian drones and US-made ATACMS or French-British Storm Shadow missiles. Unfortunately, the attack resulted in civilian casualties.
According to monitoring sources, at least 16 missiles were spotted heading for Crimea. Some of them were launched from the Odessa region. Also, about four UAVs were launched from the Kherson region.
Meanwhile, MQ-8 Reaper reconnaissance drone of the US Air Forces is circling in the sky over the Black Sea.
At about 10 p.m. local time, explosions were reported in the area of the capital of the Crimean Republic – Simferopol, as well as in the southern cities of Yalta and Alushta, in the north in Dzhankoy and in the west in Yevpatoria. Sirens sounded in Sevastopol. At least 20 explosions are heard in the Simferopol district of Crimea. Presumably, the detonation of ATACMS cluster missiles. According to preliminary reports, Ukrainian drones were shot down in the Alushta area.
Most of the explosions were likely the result of operations of Russian air defense forces. Local sources confirmed interception of several targets in the area. The official report by the Russian Defense Ministry is likely to reveal more details on the morning of May 24.
The local authorities confirmed the strikes. The head of Crimea reported that two civilian bystanders were killed as a result of the attack in the Simferopol district. The official also confirmed the strike in the area of Alushta, where an empty utility facility was reportedly destroyed. Emergency services are deployed on the site.
Video from Alushta confirmed the strikes in a mountainous area on the eastern outskirts of Alushta. Judging by open sources, there are no permanent military facilities in the area.
According to preliminary reports, the Russian military is already launching retaliatory strikes at targets in Odessa region, from where missiles were launched towards Crimea. Supersonic Onyx missiles of the Bastion-P complexes and Iskander ballistic missiles are reportedly heading for Ukraine.
