A Kamikaze drone attack targeted a military installation near Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, destroying a Mil Mi-8 helicopter. Although initial reports did not directly blame Ukraine, they noted the drone’s approach from the Odessa direction. Subsequent footage analysis confirmed the drone as an FPV type, indicating the operator launched it within a 10 km range, challenging claims of its origin from Odessa, nearly 60 miles away.
“The government of Moldova announced that this attack was a Russian false-flag. The Russian military Mi-8 helicopter destroyed by a drone at a Russian base in Tiraspol in Russia-occupied Transistria was decommissioned years ago.” https://t.co/l7SCy5QfOR
— Liza Yes 🌻 (@YesQuake) March 17, 2024
The targeted helicopter is speculated to have been decommissioned due to its lack of a front window and satellite imagery reportedly showing the helicopter stationary since 2003. This incident coincides with Transnistria’s participation in Russia’s presidential election, a move condemned by Moldova and its allies. It follows a request by Transnistria to Russia for protection against what it calls an “economic blockade” by Moldova. Russia has emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Transnistria’s residents. The event is amid ongoing concerns from Ukraine and Moldova about potential Russian false flag operations in Transnistria to justify military escalations, particularly towards Odessa.
Moldova’s official stance, dismissing the incident as a deliberate false flag operation to provoke fear and panic, contrasts with the Transnistrian authorities’ confirmation of the drone attack and their subsequent criminal investigation. Ukraine labeled the incident a Russian provocation.
🇲🇩🚁⚡️ Looks like the Mi-8 helicopter hit by a drone in Transnistria has not moved since at least 2003. It was in a non-operational state and couldn’t fly even if it wanted to. -Faytuks #Transistria #Ukraine #Moldova #Russia pic.twitter.com/M5H7bB0dc5
— Stefan Cel Mare (@STugulea) March 17, 2024
Expanded Coverage:
