SSU Destroys Supports of the Crimean Bridge

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has struck the Crimean Bridge for the third time during a special operation by mining the supports of the invaders’ strategic facility underwater.

The press service of the Security Service of Ukraine released footage of the explosion.

During the operation, which lasted several months, SSU agents planted explosives on the bridge supports. At 4:44 a.m., the first explosive device was detonated, causing damage to the structure.

The SSU reported that the underwater support pillars of the bridge were severely damaged at the seabed level, stating that “1,100 kilograms of TNT equivalent explosives contributed to this.”

The released image did not show any significant destructive damage to the bridge’s roadway due to the explosion. Some structural elements were deformed and thrown onto the roadway.

Nevertheless, the SSU stated that the bridge’s structure is now in a critical condition due to the sabotage.

In June 2022, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine obtained the design documentation of the Crimean Bridge. This documentation likely served as the basis for the operation of the Ukrainian Security Service.

According to the documentation and the agency’s description, explosives could have been planted under the bridge supports near the piles that ensure the structure’s stability.

It is currently unknown how SSU specialists could have planted an explosive device under the supports, but one of the possible versions could involve the use of underwater drones.

The Crimean Bridge is an extremely difficult target for sabotage operations, as the object belongs to the list of first-category strategic facilities. A powerful defense system has been built around it, which includes layered air defense cover, anti-sabotage measures, and groups monitoring the surface and underwater environment.

It is known that air cover is provided by the nearby deployed Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun systems, as well as the deployed S-400 Triumf systems. They are supplemented by MANPADS stationed at three observation and security posts.

The maritime component is represented by the Grachonok anti-sabotage boats. In addition, on both sides of the bridge, the Plavnik water area control system is deployed, along with hydroacoustic sensors.

The bridge is guarded by the 39th Naval Detachment (military unit 6942) and the 115th Special Purpose Brigade (military unit 6942) of the Russian National Guard, stationed in the city of Kerch. In addition to them, personnel from the FSB Border Service of Russia and representatives of the local police are deployed at the checkpoints.