Ukraine repels massive daily Russian drone attack, as bomb strike kills one, injures six in Zaporizhzhia

Russian forces conducted massive drone and missile assault across Ukraine, with air defenses successfully intercepting 66 Shahed drones. Zaporizhzhia suffered a deadly bombing, while Kharkiv experienced a missile strike.

Sep 24, 2024 - 07:00
Ukraine repels massive daily Russian drone attack, as bomb strike kills one, injures six in Zaporizhzhia

ukraine repels massive daily russian drone attack bomb strike kills one injures six zaporizhzhia aftermath russia's city late 23 september 2024

In a massive overnight assault on 24 September, Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine, targeting multiple regions across the country. Ukraine’s air defenses successfully intercepted numerous threats. Russian bomb strikes on Zaporizhzhia killed and injured civilians.

Russia continues its deliberate daily air attacks on residential areas in attempts to terrorize civilians and damage civilian infrastructure. The Russian forces launch dozens of Shahed long-range “kamikaze” drones every night, often also launching several missiles during the attack.

According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, air defense systems shot down 66 Shahed drones across eight oblasts during the night of 24 September (from 20:00 on 23 September to 07:00 on 24 September).

The Air Force reported that their radio-technical troops detected and tracked 85 air assault weapons, including:

  • one Iskander-M ballistic missile from Rostov Oblast, Russia;
  • two Kh-59/69 guided aviation missiles from Bryansk Oblast, Russia;
  • one missile (type to be determined) from Kursk Oblast, Russia;
  • and 81 Shahed-136/131 one-way attack UAVs from the Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk areas in Russia.

The primary target of the attack was northern and central Ukraine. The air assault was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine.

In addition to the 66 drones shot down, 13 UAVs reportedly “locationally lost” (crashed) in several regions of Ukraine due to active countermeasures by the Defense Forces. This implies that at least two drones reached their targets.

Deadly bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia

The city of Zaporizhzhia suffered a Russian bomb attack late on 23 September, resulting in one death and six injuries, including two children. According to Suspilne, the public broadcaster, the first explosions were heard around 22:45, followed by a series of blasts. The attack damaged critical infrastructure and residential buildings.

Zaporizhzhia City, located about 30 kilometers from the front lines, mirrors Kharkiv’s proximity to the Russian border. Previously targeted by occasional missile strikes, the city now starts facing gliding bomb attacks, similar to Kharkiv. The Russian gliding bombs are imprecise, which means the attacks target entire residential districts rather than specific buildings.

Regina Kharchenko, secretary of the Zaporizhzhia City Council, reported that over 100 buildings were damaged in the Russian attack.

“As of now (the morning of 24 September, – Ed.), 74 apartment buildings, 24 private houses, 15 non-residential premises, social facilities, and infrastructure in the Shevchenkivskyi, Oleksandrivskyi, and Komunarskyi districts of the city,” Kharchenko stated.

ukraine repels massive daily russian drone attack bomb strike kills one injures six zaporizhzhia aftermath russia's city late 23 september 2024
Aftermath of Russia’s bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia City late on 23 September 2024. Photo: Ukraine’s Emergency Service

The National Police of Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched six strikes (preliminarily identified as KAB guided bombs) on Zaporizhzhia and the surrounding area. The attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, completely destroying one private house and damaging surrounding properties, high-rise buildings, and vehicles.

Missile strike on Kharkiv

In Kharkiv, a Russian missile strike hit the Kyivskyi district in the early hours of 24 September, as reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Preliminary data suggests the missile struck open ground, causing a fire. No casualties were reported, but emergency services quickly responded to address the aftermath of the strike.

Explosions reported in multiple regions

During the night, explosions were also heard in Cherkasy, Kyiv, Sumy, and Poltava oblasts amid air raid alerts, according to Suspilne. Air defense systems were reportedly active in Cherkasy and Kyiv oblasts, with the Air Force warning of potential drone strikes in these areas.

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