Russian Air Defense System Successfully Intercepts Ukrainian Attack On Belbek Military Air Base

JAKARTA - Russian authorities claim their air defense system successfully intercepted an attack by Ukraine, targeting a military air base, after a series of attacks on Russian military installations.

The governor of the city of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev said the Ukrainian attack was directed at the Belbel military air base in the city. The defense system fends off incoming attacks before they hit the target.

"Our air defense systems dropped a new target approaching Belbek from Yevpatoria. The request is the same, everyone remains calm," he wrote.

Crimea and Sevastopol have been targeted several times in recent weeks. Previously, another attack was directed at the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet. A drone was shot down by the air defense system and there were no casualties.

Last week, at least four explosions hit an area near Russia's main military airport on the Crimean peninsula on Thursday, three local sources said. Meanwhile, pro-Moscow officials said no damage had been done.

Sources said the explosion occurred in the vicinity of the Belbek (air) base, north of Sevastopol.

"There was no damage. No one was hurt," Mikhail Razvozhayev said, writing on Telegram.

Two days earlier, Russia had accused acts of sabotage during a series of explosions at Crimean ammunition depots on Tuesday.

Two weeks ago, explosions also rocked the Saky air base in Crimea, with Moscow saying it was caused by an accident.