Drone attack reported in Volgograd region that caused fire at airfield
In Volgograd region, a fire at an airfield occurred due to a drone attack (photo: Russian media)
In the Russian city of Kalach-na-Donu in the Volgograd region, explosions were reported last night, August 22, following what appears to be a drone attack and the activation of air defense systems. This was followed by a fire at the airfield, according to Russian Telegram channels.
Reports of explosions began to surface online around 3:30 AM from residents of Kalach-na-Donu.
Russian media reports claim that air defense systems downed at least two drones.
According to the Telegram channel Baza, one of the drones was intercepted several kilometers from the airfield, while debris from the second drone fell on a nearby temporary structure, causing it to catch fire.
The incident reportedly involved the Marinovka air base, located in the village of Oktyabrsky, about 20 kilometers from Kalach-na-Donu. There is speculation online that this airfield may have been the target of the drone attack.
Telegram channel Astra, citing residents, reports that the fire occurred at the airfield itself.
Telegram channel SHOT notes that witnesses from various areas reported between 6 and 10 loud explosions during the aerial attack, with characteristic sounds of drones heard overhead.
Local authorities have not yet provided any information about the incident or potential casualties.
In Volgograd region, a fire at an airfield occurred due to a drone attack (photo: Russian media)
Updated: Detonation and possible evacuation
It has since emerged that after a fire broke out at the Marinovka air base due to a drone attack, explosions are also occurring there due to munitions detonation.
ASTRA reports, citing residents of the Karachevsky district, that shells loaded onto aircraft are exploding.
According to open sources, the Marinovka air base houses Su-24MR aircraft from the 2nd Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron of Russia.
Additionally, there are indications of a potential evacuation order for nearby settlements, with residents reportedly being advised to gather their documents.
Updated: Governor confirms strike on military facility
According to Volgograd Region Governor Andrey Bocharov, an alleged drone attack on the Marinovka air base area was repelled last night, with most of the drones being destroyed.
"As a result of the UAVs' impact, a fire broke out at a Ministry of Defense facility. Fire and rescue services promptly began extinguishing the fire. There are no casualties," the Russian official reported.
Previously, Russia also reported drone attacks in the Volgograd region. For instance, on August 5, a fire broke out at an electrical substation in Volgograd following an explosion.
Additionally, in July, a drone attack set a fuel depot ablaze in the city of Kalach-na-Donu.
