Unmanned Systems Forces Strike 29 Energy Facilities in Crimea and Southern Ukraine

The Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine hit 29 energy facilities in occupied Crimea and Southern Ukraine.

Commander Robert ‘Madyar’ Brovdi said the strikes targeted energy facilities used by Russian forces and released footage of the attacks.

The strikes were carried out as part of the Crimean Switch-Off operation.

Among the latest targets, Brovdi named the Balaklava Thermal Power Plant in Sevastopol. A fire at the facility was reported late on August 12.

Overall, according to the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Ukrainian forces successfully struck 240 energy facilities between July 1 and August 13.

Brovdi also said that cutting power to stationary radars and other elements of Russia’s air defense disrupts the protection of its airspace.

This creates an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to use drones for striking important Russian military targets on the peninsula.

Recently released satellite imagery confirmed damage to hangars, a fuel depot, and the runway following a Ukrainian Defense Forces strike on the Hvardiiske military airbase in Crimea on August 7.

Two aircraft hangars were also hit. Russian forces reportedly used the hangars to store and prepare Shahed/Geran and Gerbera strike drones.

Satellite imagery also recorded impacts on the airfield’s runway. Fires broke out at the impact sites, but it is unclear what exactly was burning.