Ukraine says Azov defence plant hit in overnight drone strike

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have confirmed that the Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant in Russia’s Rostov Region was hit in an overnight drone strike on the city of Azov, with production facilities damaged and a fire reported at the site.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the plant manufactures components for artillery and missile systems. The General Staff said a fire was observed at the facility following the strike.

Earlier, it was reported that a fire had been detected near the plant following the nighttime drone attack. NASA’s FIRMS system had also detected a fire near the facility.

Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar said the overnight attack injured five people, including four in Azov and one in Taganrog. A child was among those injured in Azov, he said. All five were hospitalised.

According to the governor, falling drones damaged apartment buildings, private homes, industrial facilities, a school, a cultural centre and vehicles in Azov, while several vehicles were also damaged in Rostov.

By Sabina Mammadli