Drone strikes, shelling hit Russia’s Belgorod region, causing damage, casualties

A series of large-scale drone strikes and artillery shelling hit multiple districts in Russia’s Belgorod region on September 20, resulting in damage to residential buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure, as well as casualties and injuries.

According to Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, the attacks were carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, involving 161 drones and 54 artillery strikes across the region, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The affected districts include Belgorod, Borisov, Valuy, Volokonovo, Graivoron, Krasnoyaruzh, Rakityansky, Starooskolsky, and Shebekinsky.

In the Belgorod district, 13 drones were launched, ten of which were intercepted. The attacks caused damage to private homes and vehicles, and one fire was reported. In the Borisov district, five drones struck, three were shot down, and two local residents were injured.

The Valuy district experienced eight drone strikes, most of which were successfully intercepted, with no serious damage reported. In Volokonovsky, two FPV drones damaged a farm building and two private houses. Graivoronsky was subjected to six artillery shellings and 18 drone attacks, with two drones shot down, causing damage to social facilities and vehicles, including the burning of a car.

The Krasnoyaruzhsky district experienced five artillery attacks and 61 drone strikes, 15 of which were intercepted. One man was killed, three others were injured, and commercial facilities, farm buildings, and vehicles were damaged. In Rakityansky, five drones attacked, one was downed, a woman was injured, and cars and a locomotive were damaged.

In the Starooskolsky district, three drones were shot down with no reported consequences. The Shebekinsky district faced three artillery strikes and 49 drone attacks, most of which were intercepted, but damage occurred to homes, businesses, and vehicles.

Governor Gladkov described the attacks as “a serious escalation” and urged residents to remain vigilant while local authorities continue emergency and security operations.

By Sabina Mammadli