Airport in Sochi temporarily shut down due to potential drone strike
In the early hours of July 24, the city of Sochi found itself under a threat of drone attacks. The city administration quickly imposed temporary restrictions on the operation of Sochi Airport, citing safety concerns for civilian aircraft.
The airport, a crucial hub for the region, halted operations in response to the reported threat. The halt in operations was announced through the airport's Telegram channel. Despite the suspension, all airport services are ready and eager to resume once the restrictions are lifted.
The drone attack on Sochi targeted an oil depot near the city, causing large fires but resulting in only two reported deaths and no large-scale injuries from the drone strike itself. The attack also involved strikes at Sochi Airport's fuel depot, disrupting airport facilities but not fully shutting down operations.
Two fatalities were reported in the Adler area just south of Sochi due to falling drone debris. The region is currently under a state of emergency, and authorities have fined individuals for filming the event, highlighting the sensitivity of the attack’s aftermath.
The exact time for when the restrictions on Sochi Airport will be lifted remains unknown. The Krasnodar Krai Governor, Veniamin Kondratyev, confirmed the deaths and injuries from the Sochi drone attack. The number of injured has reached 13, according to the latest reports.
The attack on Sochi Airport's fuel depot caused fires, but parts of the drone attack were repelled, allowing for continued—albeit possibly limited—airport operations. However, the impact on passenger services is not extensive, with no comprehensive reports mentioning injuries beyond the two fatalities.
It's important to note that no additional information about the drone attack or its origin has been provided. Ukrainian forces have confirmed successful strikes on key infrastructure, including the airport fuel depot, but no official statements have been made regarding the source of the attack.
As the situation continues to unfold, the city of Sochi remains under a threat of drone attacks. The city administration has not specified a time for when the restrictions will be lifted, and the airport operations remain halted for the safety of civilian aircraft. The two employees of Federal Passenger Company (FPC) were among the victims of the Sochi drone attack.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and dangers posed by drone technology, especially when used maliciously. As the investigation continues, we will keep you updated on any developments regarding the Sochi drone attack and the resumption of operations at Sochi Airport.
Sources: [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57896845 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sochi-oil-depot-burns-after-drone-strikes-2021-07-24/ [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/24/sochi-oil-depot-on-fire-after-drone-strikes-video [4] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/24/sochi-oil-depot-on-fire-after-drone-strikes-ukraine-claims-responsibility
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region, as demonstrated by the recent drone attack on Sochi, have disrupted general-news campaigns, such as the halt in operations at Sochi Airport, which serves as a crucial hub.
- Beyond the airport and oil depot attacks, crime-and-justice concerns also arose due to the deaths and injuries reported in the Adler area, emphasizing the extensive impact and complex nature of the Sochi incident.
