More blasts in Crimea: Piles of black smoke seen over military airfield near Simferopol

Several explosions were heard at a Russian military air base in the village of Gvardiyske, Simferopol district, in Russian-occupied Crimea.

This was reported by Kommersant with reference to local residents, Ukrinform reports.

According to eyewitnesses, there are piles of black smoke observed over the airfield.

The outlet’s unnamed source reported that the military and law enforcement are checking a version with a drone attack on an ammunition depot. No official comments have been issued yet.

On the morning of August 16, a series of explosions hit an ammunition depot in the village of Maiske, Dzhankoy district, Crimea. The Ministry of Defense of Russia considers the incident an act of sabotage.

At about the same time, a fire broke out at the electrical substation in Dzhankoy. Two casualties are reported.

Russian authorities previously expressed different versions - from sabotage to grass being set on fire, despite the fact that it was raining heavily in Crimea throughout the night.

The "Yellow Ribbon" public resistance movement has called on Crimea residents to stay away from Russian military facilities and evacuate if possible. Crimean activists posted in Simferopol leaflets with the coordinates of the "next targets for the Armed Forces" in occupied Dzhankoy, and those calling on civilians: “Save your life – evacuate.”