Drones target locomotive depot in Russia’s Rostov Oblast

Russian authorities claim intercepting multiple drones in Rostov Oblast's Salsk and Ust-Donetskii areas, causing minimal infrastructure damage.

Dec 29, 2024 - 19:00

Drones target locomotive depot in Russia’s Rostov Oblast

drones target locomotive depot russia's rostov oblast drones-salsk-rostov-oblast-attack- russian authorities reported multiple drone incidents across around noon 29 attacks affecting railway infrastructure triggering air defense responses acting governor yuri slyusar

Russian authorities reported multiple drone incidents across Rostov Oblast on around noon on 29 December, with attacks affecting railway infrastructure and triggering air defense responses. Acting Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar claimed air defense systems engaged “enemy” – meaning Ukrainian – drones in the region’s several locations.

Ukraine has not commented on the attack, and the targets and outcome remain unclear. Daytime drone attacks within Russia are unusual for Ukraine, as they typically occur at night or early morning. This year, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacks against the military and fuel facilities within Russia, significantly disrupting fuel and ammunition supplies crucial for the Russian military. Many of such attacks targeted Russian bomb warehouses at airbases, ammunition depots, fuel processing and storage facilities deep inside Russia.

Russian Telegram channel Astra shared footage showing one drone flying over Salsk, along with two videos showing what appears to be a drone being shot down near railway infrastructure, filmed from two different angles.

Salsk, located about 370 km from the frontline in southern Rostov Oblast near Russia’s North Caucasus regions, which were targeted on 25 December, may have been along the route of drones possibly heading toward Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. Ust-Donetskii, situated in central Rostov Oblast, lies approximately 270 km from the warzone.