Russia's largest Black Sea Port under drone attack, beaches closed for safety
- In Reports
- 09:27 PM, Jul 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
Russia has reported that it destroyed two Ukrainian sea drones targeting the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, a crucial naval base and oil shipping hub. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday that its forces had intercepted and neutralized these naval drones during an overnight operation as they approached the port. This incident underscores the ongoing military tensions and engagements in the region, where both sides have been actively involved in naval operations and strategic manoeuvers. Ukraine, in response, has claimed successes in targeting Russian ships and infrastructure in the Black Sea in recent months.
According to reports, the Russian Ministry stated on Telegram that "Two unmanned boats traveling in the direction of Novorossiysk were destroyed in the waters of the Black Sea." Fortunately, the attack caused no damage or disruptions to shipping, as confirmed by the local city administration and reported by Russian state news agencies.
Mayor Andrei Kravchenko of Novorossiysk initially restricted access to beaches on July 3 due to the incident, but later gave the all-clear after reporting minor damage to two buildings.
This event follows a similar drone attack on Novorossiysk in May. The city is strategically significant as one of the largest port cities on the Black Sea and in the annexed Crimean Peninsula, both of which have been targeted by Ukraine's military during the ongoing conflict.
Indeed, Novorossiysk holds significant importance for Russia as a major export hub. It serves as a crucial route for exporting various commodities essential to the Russian economy, including oil, oil products, grain, coal, fertilizers, and timber. These exports form a substantial part of Russia's economy, contributing significantly to its export revenues and overall economic stability.
Despite occasional incidents and attacks targeting its naval assets and infrastructure, Russia often downplays the impact on its exports and economy. This strategic port remains pivotal for Russian trade operations in the Black Sea region and beyond.
Following a series of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian ships, Moscow made the decision to relocate its Black Sea fleet from its historic base in Crimea's Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. This move was prompted by security concerns, as Novorossiysk is situated further away from the Ukrainian coastline compared to Sevastopol. By shifting its naval operations to Novorossiysk, Russia aimed to safeguard its fleet from potential Ukrainian military actions and ensure operational readiness amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
In addition to countering the maritime attack in the Black Sea, the Russian Ministry of Defence also reported that its air defenses intercepted 10 air drones that were launched toward Russian territory. This included one drone intercepted over the Moscow region. This incident highlights Russia's ongoing efforts to defend its airspace and territory against potential threats, demonstrating the vigilance of its military operations in responding to various forms of aerial and maritime challenges.
Image Source: The Times of India
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