Moldova’s Russian-run Transnistria has reported a drone attack on one of its military units located in the regional capital city of Tiraspol. According to initial reports, the attack resulted in a fire breaking out within the military facility, causing significant damage to a Russian-made Mi-8 military helicopter.
The incident was first reported by the Transnistrian “state-run” TV channel “Pervy Pridnestrovsky,” which disseminated photographs from the scene:
“It is preliminarily determined that the explosion was the result of a kamikaze drone attack, which was recorded flying from the Clover Bridge. There were no casualties. Law enforcement agencies are working. A criminal case has been opened,” the TV channel wrote on its Telegram channel.
Later a CCTV video emerged on multiple Telegram channels, allegedly showing the attack:
???? Reports of a drone attack on a military helicopter Mi-8T in Transnistria, Moldova's breakaway region bordering Ukraine and supported by Russia.
No official confirmations or statements have been released yet
???? https://t.co/hmU0FjfU1w pic.twitter.com/JB5hkGTeKh
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) March 17, 2024
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that Russia could intensify hybrid operations to destabilize Moldova.
Read also:
- ISW: Kremlin uses Gagauzia, Transnistria to derail Moldova’s EU bid
- Moldova’s president signs defense agreement with France, warns of Russian threat
- ISW warns of escalating Russian hybrid operations in Moldova ahead of EU accession talks
- Military: Russian troops stationed in Modova’s Transnistria pose no threat
- Moldova’s breakaway Transnistria region seeks Russian protection with claims of economic blockade