Ukraine carries out ‘combined strike’ on Crimea airfield

On the night of September 21, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy hit the Saki military airfield in annexed Crimea during a special operation, causing “serious damage,” according to an SBU source who spoke with Ukrayinska Pravda. The Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the “combined strike” but did not provide further details.

According to Ukrayinska Pravda, the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy used drones to “overload” the Russian air defense system, then launched Neptune missiles. The source claimed that a Pantsir anti-aircraft missile system and at least 12 combat aircraft were at the airfield, as well as a training base for operators of Mohajer drones which are used, among other things, to coordinate Russian attacks.

On September 21, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian air defense shot down 19 drones over the Black Sea and Crimean territory. The ministry did not say whether there were any casualties or damage and did not comment on Ukraine’s statement about the attack. On the night of September 21, Crimean residents reported explosions in several areas of the peninsula, including in the village of Novofedorivka where the military airfield is located.