The strike on the Crimea bridge highlights ongoing tensions and military operations as Ukraine aims to disrupt Russian logistics.
Ukraine Claims Successful Strike on Crimea Bridge Using Underwater Explosives
Ukraine Claims Successful Strike on Crimea Bridge Using Underwater Explosives
Kyiv's Security Service announces a months-long operation culminates in an attack on the strategic structure.
In a recent development, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported that they successfully struck the Crimea bridge with underwater explosives after conducting a meticulous operation spanning several months. The SBU revealed that its agents had "mined the supports" of the bridge with over 1,100 kilograms of explosives, resulting in significant damage to the lower levels of the structure supports.
The first explosive device was reportedly detonated early Tuesday morning, and the SBU confirmed that there were "no civilian casualties." However, immediate verification of the claims was not possible. Russian media outlets initially reported that traffic on the bridge was momentarily halted but resumed operations by 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT). Nevertheless, local authorities later announced that the bridge was once again closed to traffic, with unverified social media accounts suggesting additional explosions were detected around the area.
As of now, Russian officials have not issued a formal response to the attack. Meanwhile, some Russian military commentators speculated that the damage was caused not by explosives, but by an underwater drone that struck a protective barrier. The SBU highlighted that Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk oversaw the operation, emphasizing that Ukraine has targeted the Crimea bridge before, in both 2022 and 2023. “No illegal Russian facilities have a place on the territory of our state," Malyuk stated, insisting the bridge’s logistical role for Russian forces makes it a legitimate target.
Constructed by Russia post their annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the bridge, known as the Kerch Bridge, was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin amid much celebration in 2018. It serves as a potent symbol of Russian occupation and is heavily guarded, marking any successful attack on it, whether via underwater drones or explosive devices, a significant operational achievement.
The recent strike follows closely on the heels of an ambitious operation by Ukraine that targeted several Russian assets, dubbed 'Spider Web', within just 48 hours. Ukrainian officials claimed they successfully infiltrated Russia with over 100 drones that were covertly transported in lorries, enabling them to launch attacks on key Russian military facilities.
The first explosive device was reportedly detonated early Tuesday morning, and the SBU confirmed that there were "no civilian casualties." However, immediate verification of the claims was not possible. Russian media outlets initially reported that traffic on the bridge was momentarily halted but resumed operations by 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT). Nevertheless, local authorities later announced that the bridge was once again closed to traffic, with unverified social media accounts suggesting additional explosions were detected around the area.
As of now, Russian officials have not issued a formal response to the attack. Meanwhile, some Russian military commentators speculated that the damage was caused not by explosives, but by an underwater drone that struck a protective barrier. The SBU highlighted that Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk oversaw the operation, emphasizing that Ukraine has targeted the Crimea bridge before, in both 2022 and 2023. “No illegal Russian facilities have a place on the territory of our state," Malyuk stated, insisting the bridge’s logistical role for Russian forces makes it a legitimate target.
Constructed by Russia post their annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the bridge, known as the Kerch Bridge, was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin amid much celebration in 2018. It serves as a potent symbol of Russian occupation and is heavily guarded, marking any successful attack on it, whether via underwater drones or explosive devices, a significant operational achievement.
The recent strike follows closely on the heels of an ambitious operation by Ukraine that targeted several Russian assets, dubbed 'Spider Web', within just 48 hours. Ukrainian officials claimed they successfully infiltrated Russia with over 100 drones that were covertly transported in lorries, enabling them to launch attacks on key Russian military facilities.
