Loud explosions and fire reported near energy facility in Russia's Orel
Illustrative photo: fire extinguishing in Russia’s Orel (Getty Images)
Explosions were heard in Russia’s Orel late on 16 November. Local sources report a possible attack on the Orel CHPP; Russian channels, including Supernova+, claim the CHPP was hit.
On 16 November, at around 20:00, Russian channels began reporting that many drones were heading toward the Orel region.
After that, social media posts began spreading about loud sounds heard in various parts of the city, as well as smoke rising near the energy facility.
There have been no official comments from Russian authorities at this time. However, local channels are widely sharing photos and videos that show flashes and the aftermath of explosions.
If information about the attack on the CHPP is confirmed, it could have a significant impact on the region’s energy infrastructure, as the plant supplies electricity to industrial facilities and residential areas.
The previous report about the attack on Orel appeared on 13 November.
Ukrainian defence forces continue to target objects of the military-economic potential of the aggressor, aiming to complicate the supply of fuel and ammunition to occupying troops.
For example, on 16 November, Ukrainian forces struck facilities at the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in the Samara region, Russia. This is one of the country’s key refineries, processing about 9 million tonnes of oil annually.
In addition, on 4 November, two oil refineries in Russia were simultaneously shut down after drone strikes, a petrochemical complex in Bashkiria, and the Nizhny Novgorod refinery.
