Russian drones kill two police officers, injure 20 in Zhytomyr headquarters strike

Russian analysts reported on Aug. 19 that a drone strike likely targeted a Russian missile arsenal near Dzerzhinsk, according to the Astra Telegram channel. The 53rd Arsenal, belonging to the Defense Ministry's Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, was the target of the attack.

Geolocation of the initial explosion placed it near the 53rd GRAU Arsenal in the Volodarsky district of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, which is located in the settlement of Yuganets, close to the border with Dzerzhinsk. The facility is situated in a remote area, adding to its strategic importance.

Following the first explosion, a second was recorded as Russian air defenses opened fire in western Dzerzhinsk near Kombriga Patolicheva Street. The air defenses took action in response to the drone attacks, which occurred overnight and continued into August 19.

Witnesses reported heavy smoke in the city, emanating from the grounds of the Sverdlov Plant, a major employer in Dzerzhinsk and a key component of Russia's military-industrial complex. The plant is one of the country's largest producers of explosives, contributing significantly to the nation's defense capabilities.