Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said it struck two key Russian military airbases in occupied Crimea with drones, damaging or destroying at least seven combat aircraft in its second attack on the Saky airbase this week.
The SBU said the strikes targeted the Saky and Hvardiiske airfields as part of a 40-day campaign ordered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to degrade Russia's military capabilities.
Second strike on Saky airbase this week
According to the agency, seven aircraft shelters were hit at Saky airbase, where Russian Su-30SM, Su-30, and Su-24 fighter and bomber aircraft were reportedly stationed. Preliminary assessments indicate that at least seven aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
The SBU described the operation as its second successful strike on the Saky airbase within the past week.
Hvardiiske airbase also targeted
At the nearby Hvardiiske airbase, the agency said drones struck two hangars used to store Shahed attack drones and aviation equipment.
Both airbases are among Russia's main aviation hubs in occupied Crimea. Aircraft operating from the bases regularly launch missile and guided bomb attacks against Ukraine and support Russian military operations on the southern front, the SBU said.
SBU: Operations will continue
"The SBU continues to systematically reduce Russia's military potential," the agency quoted its chief, Yevhenii Khmara, as saying.
"Every special operation means fewer enemy aircraft, logistics assets, warehouses, equipment, and infrastructure supporting Russia's aggression. We will continue putting maximum pressure on the enemy both on the front line and deep in its rear," he said.
Broader overnight drone campaign across Crimea
The airbase strikes coincided with a broader Ukrainian drone campaign across occupied Crimea. Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces said they struck 48 targets overnight, including a Tor-M2 air defense system, multiple electrical substations, and a gas compressor station.
The military said the targets were located across the occupied peninsula and in Russia-controlled parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Crimea remains central to Ukraine's deep-strike campaign
Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian airbases, logistics hubs, and military infrastructure deep behind the front lines in an effort to disrupt Moscow's ability to sustain its war against Ukraine.
Occupied Crimea has become a key target of Ukraine's deep-strike campaign in recent months, with repeated attacks on Russian airfields, logistics hubs, and military infrastructure aimed at reducing Moscow's ability to sustain operations and launch attacks against Ukraine.
