Moscow, Russia - A 50-story building in the IQ-quarter complex of Moscow sustained damage during an alleged drone attack early Sunday morning, as reported by the city's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, and Russian media. Footage from the scene depicted smoke billowing from the building, raising concerns about security and safety in the area.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the attack involved three Ukrainian drones, with one being intercepted and shot down by Russian air defenses in the western vicinity of Moscow. The remaining two drones were reportedly jammed by sophisticated electromagnetic warfare systems, leading to their crash in Moscow.
Sobyanin, in his update on his Telegram
channel, mentioned that the facades of two office buildings were slightly damaged in the attack. Additionally, a security guard at the OKO tower, situated near the IQ-quarter complex, sustained injuries during the incident, as confirmed by TASS news agency.
In response to the attack, authorities swiftly implemented a temporary restriction on aircraft presence in Moscow's airspace to ensure public safety. As a precautionary measure, Vnukovo International Airport was temporarily closed to both arrivals and departures, but operations resumed later in the morning.
This is not the first time Moscow has experienced drone-related incidents. In the past week, there have been two similar attacks, which Russian officials have attributed to Ukrainian forces. On Monday, two Ukrainian drones were reported to have been "suppressed and crashed," causing damage to at least two buildings in Moscow. Additionally, on Thursday night, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the destruction of a Ukrainian drone in the Moscow region.
As of now, Ukrainian authorities have not issued any statements regarding these allegations, as they have maintained a stance of not commenting on attacks within Russian territory.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of high-rise buildings and critical infrastructure in Moscow. With drones becoming increasingly accessible to various parties, the need for robust counter-drone measures is underscored. Both public and private sectors must remain vigilant in adopting advanced technologies to safeguard against such attacks.
Russian authorities are likely to conduct thorough investigations into the incident to ascertain the origin and motive behind the alleged drone attack. International stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a de-escalation of tensions in the region.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the authorities to address the security concerns and prevent further incidents of this nature. The safety of citizens and property remains paramount, and measures to bolster defenses against potential drone threats will be crucial in ensuring stability and tranquility in the area.