In a development that escalates the ongoing tensions in the region, Ukraine’s military has officially confirmed that its forces conducted a strike on the Saky air base in western Crimea. This confirmation corroborates earlier reports from Ukrainian intelligence sources regarding the attack.
In a succinct statement, Ukraine’s military acknowledged that the Saky air base had indeed been targeted by its defense forces. However, the statement did not provide any further details regarding the operation.
According to the intelligence source cited by Reuters, the attack was executed by the SBU security service and the navy, deploying drones and Neptune cruise missiles. The source emphasized that the assault had effectively hit its intended target, causing significant damage to equipment situated at the air base.
As of the time of reporting, Russia had not issued an immediate response to these reports. Earlier on the same day, the Russian military had announced the destruction of 19 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and the Black Sea, withholding information on casualties or structural damage.
It is important to note that Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of these reports.
These recent developments reflect Ukraine’s increasing missile capabilities, underscoring the country’s determination to confront Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Russia continues its long-range missile attacks and deploys assault drones against Ukraine.
The intelligence source further revealed that the Saky air base in western Crimea was home to at least 12 combat aircraft and was equipped with man-portable air-defense systems. This base also served as a training ground for drone operators.
This incident follows a series of attacks on Crimea last week, which resulted in damage to two Russian patrol ships and the destruction of an advanced air defense system. Just a day before this confirmation, Kyiv reported that Ukrainian forces had struck a command post belonging to the Russian Black Sea fleet near Sevastopol in Crimea. These developments underscore the volatile situation in the region, as Ukraine continues its nearly four-month-old counteroffensive.
