Drones Strike Russian Military Base in Chechnya as Explosions Rock Grozny

At least two large fixed-wing drones attacked targets in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, according to Russian outlet Astra, following OSINT analysis of videos from the scene on May 8.

One of the drones reportedly struck a Russian military base in the Khankala district on the outskirts of Grozny, where the headquarters of Russia’s 42nd Guards Motor Rifle Division is located.

The division is part of Russia’s 58th Combined Arms Army under the Southern Military District and has been heavily involved in combat operations against Ukraine.

Another drone reportedly crashed near the railway station in central Grozny. According to Astra, the likely intended target may have been the regional FSB headquarters building located roughly 120 meters away.

Videos published by the OSINT community Exilenova+ appeared to show the use of modified light aircraft converted into long-range strike drones.

The attack marks one of the latest drone strikes reaching deep into Russian territory ahead of Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day events, amid increasing pressure on Russian military, logistical, and security infrastructure far from the front line.

Russian authorities had not publicly disclosed the full extent of the damage at the time of reporting.

Earlier, reports emerged that thirteen airports across southern Russia suspended takeoffs and landings after a drone struck a regional air navigation facility in the Rostov region, delaying or canceling 80 flights and stranding at least 14,000 passengers.

Truth is Under Attack

We report the war as it unfolds directly from the people and places most affected by it. Your support helps us bring these stories to the world.

SUPPORT