Explosives Factory Ablaze in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region, Video

Explosions were reportedly heard in the city of Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region, early Sunday morning, reportedly following a drone strike and air defense activity. According to Russian media, the attack targeted the Sverdlov Plant, a facility involved in the country’s military-industrial complex.

Explosions were reported in Dzerzhinsk and Nizhny Novgorod around 4:30 a.m. local time, with ongoing gunfire still heard at the time of the report, which is believed to be connected to Russian air defense efforts to down the drones. These claims cannot be independently verified.

Residents of Dzerzhinsk reported that the Sverdlov Plant, which has been sanctioned by Ukraine and several Western countries, was the target of the airstrike. The plant is one of the largest manufacturers of explosives for industrial, mining, seismic, and geophysical use. It also produces aviation and artillery shells, aerial bombs, and warheads for anti-tank guided missiles and air defense systems.

Local Russian media and Telegram channels shared images of smoke rising over the city during the alleged drone attack. These reports also cannot be independently confirmed.

In a statement released later in the morning, Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin said that the air defense and electronic warfare systems had “repelled the drone attack on the Dzerzhinsk industrial zone.”

Russian officials also reported a widespread drone attack overnight on October 20, claiming drone activity was detected across eight regions, including Moscow’s outskirts. These claims remain unverified.