In the early hours of May 15, a missile attack targeted the Belbek military airport near Sevastopol in the temporarily occupied region of Crimea, resulting in multiple fires.
According to the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, the area experienced large-scale explosions from around 01:55 to 01:56 AM, followed by quieter detonations believed to be ammunition exploding, which continued for about 15 minutes.
Local residents observed the explosions and the aftermath of the attack, which also included a second wave lasting until about 02:35 AM. The impact was significant, with explosions heard as far away as Yevpatoria and the Bakhchisaray district.
The occupying authorities of Sevastopol reported that debris from a downed rocket fell in a residential area on Fedorivska Street, fortunately without causing any casualties.
Further assessments by the 'Crimean Wind' monitoring group, using satellite imagery, identified three primary fire outbreaks at the Belbek airfield, specifically around the runway and aircraft parking areas.
Subsequent satellite images taken an hour after the initial attack showed an intensification of the fires, particularly around the aircraft parking lots.
In response to the attack, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation claimed that their forces intercepted ten operational-tactical missiles and destroyed multiple anti-aircraft and missile defense systems over Crimea during the night.
In an effort to bolster defenses against Ukrainian drone attacks, the occupiers have reportedly installed barricades across Sevastopol Bay.
