Large-Scale Drone Attack in Moscow and Suburbs: Cars Burning, Airports Halt Operations Amid Night Events
On the night of July 20, Moscow and its suburbs experienced a significant drone attack that caused considerable destruction and led to the suspension of flights at the city’s main airports. According to Russian sources and official government statements, over a two-hour period, Russian air defense systems intercepted more than 16 unidentified aerial objects believed to be drones targeted specifically at the Moscow region. As debris from one of the shot-down drones fell in Zelenograd, located north of Moscow, fires broke out in several vehicles. These incidents caused widespread alarm among residents and drew considerable media attention. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that within just a few hours, Russian air defense had managed to shoot down 16 unmanned aerial vehicles, indicating a highly coordinated and substantial attack. Authorities emphasized that the assault appeared sudden and unfolded against a backdrop of increasing regional tensions, raising concerns about security among the population. As a safety measure, all major Moscow airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky—had to temporarily cease takeoffs and landings to ensure passenger and staff safety. Experts and military analysts see these attacks as a sign of escalating tensions in the region, possibly linked to broader geopolitical conflicts. No official details have yet confirmed the attackers’ identity or motives, but the situation remains tense and could potentially result in further incidents in the near future. The ongoing developments underscore the volatile security situation in Moscow and the surrounding areas.