First-ever drone strike on Chechnya sparks fire at special forces university
A drone attacked the main building of Putin-named Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya, causing roof fire. Kadyrov reported no casualties, downplaying the target's significance by omitting Putin's name.
A drone struck the main building of the Russian Special Forces University named after Vladimir Putin in Gudermes, Chechnya, marking the first-ever drone attack in the region, according to Russian Telegram channel Agenstvo Novosti.
Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov confirmed via his Telegram channel that the attack occurred at 6:30 a.m., resulting in a fire on the roof of what he described as an “unoccupied building” on the university’s territory. No casualties were reported, and the fire was allegedly extinguished.
Agenstvo Novosti’s analysis reveals that Kadyrov’s statement omitted two crucial details: the university bears Vladimir Putin’s name, and the targeted ostensibly unused facility was, in fact, the university’s main building.
According to TASS, the building was constructed in 2016, though the university itself reported it as still under construction in 2023. The facility was designed to house a multimedia complex, a two-level multi-purpose gym, swimming pools, classrooms, a conference hall, federation offices, a cafeteria, a tactical equipment store, and administrative offices.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the university in August 2023.
Kadyrov stated that investigation agencies are working to identify those responsible for the attack, and the university continues to operate normally.
Ramzan Kadyrov is the head of the Chechen Republic, ruling the region with an authoritarian grip under the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Known for his brutal governance, Kadyrov uses security forces to suppress opposition, often through severe human rights abuses such as enforced disappearances, torture, and crackdowns on LGBTQ+ individuals.
Kadyrov’s involvement extends beyond Chechnya into Russia’s war in Ukraine, where his paramilitary forces, known as the “Kadyrovtsy,” have been participating in combat operations, usually playing the role of barrier troops, preventing retreat.
Related:
- ISW: Ethnic and religious tensions rise in Russia after Russian official criticises “islamic terrorism”
- Drones strike sanctioned Russian explosives plant in central Nizhny Novgorod Oblast
- Spokesperson Ukrainian army: Russia regrouping in Kharkiv Oblast, punishing deserters
- Drones target major Russian microelectronics plant crucial for military equipment
- UK intel: Around 9,000 Chechen troops deployed by Russia in Ukraine
- Satellite imagery backs Ukrainian claims of successful strike on Russian drone facility
- Russia claims UAV attacks in three oblasts at night
- Ukrainian drones allegedly hit Russian distilleries in Voronezh and Belgorod oblasts
- Ukraine’s Tver ammo depot attack featuring jet drones lowers Russian threat to Baltics
- Two drones allegedly shot down approaching Russia’s Olenya air base near Finland 1,750+ km from Ukraine
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
