Drone Strikes Russian Oil Refinery in Ufa, Far From Ukraine Border

A drone hit the Bashneft-owned Ufaorgsintez refinery more than 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine, sparking smoke reports and brief airport restrictions in Bashkortostan.

A drone struck an oil refinery on Wednesday in the Russian city of Ufa, more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the Ukrainian border, according to reports on Telegram by independent Russian news.

The strike apparently targeted an industrial zone that includes the Ufaorgsintez refinery, operated by the Bashneft oil company. Residents reported seeing smoke near Birsky Tract, a road that runs through the industrial area.

Mobile internet disruptions were also reported by ASTRA, an independent Russian news publication.

Authorities in the Republic of Bashkortostan had earlier issued an air raid alert, implementing security measures at Ufa Airport. The restrictions were later lifted.

Last week, on Oct. 11, drones linked to Ukraine’s Security Service reportedly struck another Bashneft refinery in Ufa, about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.