Russia’s leading chemical complex reportedly hit amid drone activity PHOTO

Smoke was reportedly seen over the territory of Bashkir Soda Company (BSC) in Sterlitamak, in Russia’s Republic of Bashkortostan, according to OSINT analyst group ASTRA, which identified the site based on photographs taken by local residents.

Local residents had earlier reported explosions and drone flights over the area on August 27. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it had intercepted Ukrainian drones, including over Bashkortostan. Ufa airport was temporarily closed, while local authorities had not commented on the reported attack at the time of publication.

ASTRA said the smoke was likely coming from the BSC facility, based on an analysis of eyewitness photographs. The cause of the smoke had not been independently confirmed.

BSC is described as Russia’s leading chemical complex, ranking first nationally in the production of soda ash, baking soda and PVC. The company is part of the Roskhim holding.

The facility supplies products to a range of industries, including Russia’s defence sector. Its output includes hydrochloric acid and dichloroethane, while BSC is Russia’s only producer of terephthaloyl chloride, a chemical used in the manufacture of armour materials.

BSC is also included in a restricted registry of defence-related enterprises maintained by Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry, according to documents published by the investigative outlet Dossier Centre.

By Tamilla Hasanova