IN BRIEF: What is known about missile attack on Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol
The city’s residents are strongly advised not to visit downtown Sevastopol, where firefighting efforts continue
SEVASTOPOL, September 22. /TASS/. Ukraine has delivered a missile strike on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol.
Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev warned about the possibility of a second attack but this turned out to be a false alarm.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, one soldier is missing after the attack.
The city’s residents are strongly advised not to visit downtown Sevastopol, where firefighting efforts continue.
TASS has compiled the key information about the situation.
Attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters
Ukrainian troops launched a missile attack on the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters. Missile fragments are scattered for hundreds of meters, a TASS correspondent reported.
According to preliminary data, both the civilian infrastructure around the Black Sea Fleet headquarters and people who were nearby at the moment of the attack are unharmed, Razvozhayev said.
A fragment fell down near the Sevastopol Lunacharsky Russian Drama Theater.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, five missiles were shot down during the course of repelling the missile attack.
One serviceman is reported missing.
On-site situation
A crisis center was set up by the governor.
Firefighters are extinguishing the fire. Rescuers are working on the site, with helicopter-borne groups being set at ready.
Police are demanding that local residents leave Sevastopol’s downtown streets.
The territory of the Black Sea Fleet headquarters and two surrounding blocks have been cordoned off.
Acting deputy governor Yevgeny Gorlov, acting public security department head Alexey Krasnokutsky, chief of the Russian emergencies ministry’s Sevastopol department Alexey Rokhlin have all arrived at the scene.
Authorities’ reaction
Razvozhayev warned about another potential attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Later, he canceled the warning, but called on people to refrain from visiting the city’s downtown area.
Those staying near the headquarters have been urged to hide in shelters if they hear an air-raid warning.