Russian Banderol drone flies into Moldova, explosion reported
Photo: Russian drone (Russian media)
An explosion occurred in Moldova on August 17 after an unidentified UAV fell to the ground. The incident was reported near the village of Talmaza in the Ștefan Vodă district, according to the Police of the Republic of Moldova.
According to law enforcement officials, the explosion occurred approximately 3 kilometers from Talmaza. Vegetation in the surrounding area caught fire after the drone fell.
Preliminary reports indicate that no one was injured in the incident.
The area around the site was cordoned off. The relevant services worked to extinguish the fire and determine the circumstances of the explosion.
Police said they had preliminarily established that a UAV had fallen to the ground. However, its type and origin have not yet been identified.
Specialists from the police’s technical and explosives unit were sent to the scene. They are expected to examine the drone and determine its origin.
What preceded the explosion
Shortly before the explosion was reported, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the movement of Banderol loitering munitions.
At 5:30 p.m., the military reported that a Banderol was moving past Odesa on a northwestern course.
Ten minutes later, the Air Force clarified that the Banderol had crossed the state border from the Odesa region in the direction of the Republic of Moldova.
At the same time, Moldovan police have not confirmed that this particular munition fell near Talmaza. Authorities describe the aerial vehicle as unidentified and are currently investigating its origin.
Earlier, on August 9, a powerful explosion occurred near the village of Crocmaz in Moldova. Fragments of a combat drone were found at the site, which police described as a drone-missile.
The following day, Chisinau recalled its ambassador from Russia and called the incident a serious violation of Moldova’s sovereignty.
Later, Moldova’s defense minister confirmed that the drone that exploded near Crocmaz was Russian.
