NewsMissile hits Energomasz plant in Biełgorod amid increasing partisan attacks

Missile hits Energomasz plant in Biełgorod amid increasing partisan attacks

Belgorod Energomasz hit. Evacuation is underway.
Belgorod Energomasz hit. Evacuation is underway.
Images source: © TG

2:05 PM EDT, March 19, 2024

Russian partisans shelled Biełgorod again. This time, one of the missiles landed on the premises of Energomasz, prompting the evacuation of dozens of employees. Energomasz is a Russian enterprise that manufactures liquid-fuel rocket engines.

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This attack is another in a series targeting Biełgorod and its surrounding region, which began on Monday. The "Freedom of Russia" Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps, both partisan groups, have been regularly attacking the Kursk and Belgorod regions in Russia since March 12.

Alarm sirens across the region sound every few hours. Just today, the partisans' attacks on the border areas resulted in 5 deaths and several injuries. Authorities have reported damage to dozens of buildings and vehicles.

At 11:40 AM Eastern Time, the "Freedom of Russia" Legion urged Biełgorod residents to immediately evacuate the city or seek shelter.

"We target military installations, but due to the enemy's military facilities being located within residential areas, civilians may be at risk!" - according to their statement.

By 12:25 PM Eastern Time, alarm sirens were sounding throughout the city and its surroundings. Local media shared numerous recordings of the explosions.

Just before 1 PM Eastern Time, reports emerged of a missile striking the Energomasz facility. This enterprise is known for manufacturing liquid-fuel rocket engines.

In videos released by the Astra channel, a hole can be seen in the facility's roof. Fortunately, there was no explosion or significant damage, but evacuating employees was deemed necessary.

Russian authorities have claimed that "8 air targets were shot down" over the region.

"The fallout caused damage to the roofs of two industrial buildings and shattered windows in a healthcare facility building. A passenger car was also damaged. Emergency services are currently responding," wrote Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the region.