Russia claims to repel 158 Ukrainian UAVs, Mozdok airbase possibly targeted
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed on April 9 that its air defenses neutralized 158 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions and occupied Crimea, with a possible strike aimed at the Mozdok military airbase in North Ossetia, though local officials reported no casualties or damage.
The ministry detailed that 67 drones were intercepted over Krasnodar Krai, 29 over Rostov Oblast, 15 over North Ossetia-Alania, 11 over Voronezh Oblast, and 10 over Kursk Oblast, with additional intercepts over Belgorod, Penza, Saratov, Oryol oblasts, Stavropol Krai, Crimea, and the Black and Azov Seas.
Russian Telegram channels cited locals reporting numerous explosions in Rostov Oblast, where Governor Yuri Slusar confirmed roof damage to homes.
In Aksai, one drone famously snagged on a clothesline, prompting an evacuation.
Speculation swirled around a potential strike on the Mozdok airbase in North Ossetia, a key facility hosting MiG-31K and Tu-22M3 aircraft used against Ukraine.
Regional governor Sergey Menyaylo insisted the attack was “repelled” in the Mozdok district with no losses, while Telegram channel Astra shared a photo of smoke near a cultural center—geolocated 6 kilometers from the base—hinting at proximity but not confirming a direct hit.
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