A drone attack sparked chaos in Romania, a NATO ally, on Friday when it struck an apartment building, leading to an explosion and subsequent fire that injured several individuals, according to local officials.
Romania’s Ministry of Defense reported that the incident unfolded as Russia conducted a nocturnal drone assault near the Romanian border in neighboring Ukraine. This attack marked a continuation of heightened tensions and military activities in the region.
In a detailed statement, the ministry explained, “A drone breached Romanian airspace, was monitored by radar systems, and ultimately crashed into the roof of a residential building in the southern area of Galați municipality.”
The Romanian government, a staunch member of both NATO and the European Union, has documented over two dozen instances of Russian drones violating its airspace since the onset of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. These repeated incursions highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by nations in Eastern Europe.
Amidst rising tensions, NATO has been quick to respond by dispatching warplanes as Russia continues its aggressive maneuvers near the Romanian border in Ukraine.
Imagery from the Romanian Department for Emergency Situations shows a fire raging on the roof of a ten-story apartment block, the aftermath of the drone’s impact. This incident resulted in an explosion that injured two people and caused significant concern near the border with Ukraine.
Friday’s incident marked the first time a drone struck a populated area in Romania, resulting in injuries.
Romania’s state news agency reported that a woman and her child were hospitalized with minor injuries, while two other people were treated at the scene for panic attacks.
Following the incident, Romania requested additional anti-drone capabilities from NATO and described the drone’s flight path as a serious violation of international law, according to The Associated Press.
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Russian servicemen prepare to launch an interceptor drone for an action in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
Romania’s emergency response agency said the drone struck the apartment building and exploded, sparking a fire on the 10th floor.
The agency said the drone’s entire explosive payload detonated upon impact.
Seventy people were evacuated from the building, authorities said. The fire has since been brought under control.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States and its allies to provide additional air defense systems as Russia intensifies drone and missile attacks. (Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images)
The defense ministry said two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter were deployed to monitor the Russian attack. The pilots were authorized to shoot down any drones that posed a threat.
The incident came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that he was pressing the United States to provide additional Patriot air defense missiles to help counter Russian attacks.
He warned that deliveries to Ukraine were falling dangerously short as the conflict with Iran strains U.S. military resources and stockpiles.
“I believe [the U.S.] must act quicker. We are being very persistent,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a visit to Sweden.
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