On 24 October, reports emerged from Omsk, Russia, of an attack by strike drones, following which a large-scale fire broke out in the city. The Telegram channel Exilenova+ published a video of the intense blaze and reported that the city had been hit. According to preliminary information, the «Omsky Kauchuk» chemical plant – one of Russia’s major producers of synthetic rubber and petrochemical products – may have been targeted. The Omsk Region authorities confirmed the threat posed by the UAVs, but the strike on this specific plant has not been officially confirmed.
Briefly about the main points
- On 24 October, a drone attack was reported in Omsk, Russia.
- Footage of a major fire following a suspected strike has been published online.
- According to initial reports, the «Omsky Kauchuk» chemical plant may have been hit.
- The regional authorities have declared a drone threat, and the airport has temporarily restricted flights.
Drone attack on Omsk on 24 October: what we know
On Saturday, 24 October, a drone alert was issued in the Omsk Region of Russia. Local residents reported hearing sirens, whilst regional media reported warnings of a possible attack.
Subsequently, the Ukrainian monitoring channel Exilenova+ He posted videos showing a large-scale night-time fire. The footage shows bright flames and thick smoke rising above the buildings.
The channel’s authors claim that the attack drones reached Omsk, situated more than 2,500 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, after which the strike took place.
According to initial reports, the target of the attack may have been the «Omsk Rubber» factory. However, there is currently no independent confirmation of the location of the strike or that the damaged facility belongs to this company.
Air travel was restricted in Omsk
In light of the threat posed by attack drones, Omsk Airport has introduced temporary restrictions on the arrival and departure of aircraft.
Local media reported that safety warnings were broadcast, in particular, on television channels. In some parts of the city, residents heard sirens.
The Russian authorities have urged the public to observe safety measures.
No official reports have yet been released regarding the number of drones that may have reached industrial sites, nor the exact outcome of the attack.
What does the «Omsky Kauchuk» chemical plant produce?»
Omsky Kauchuk JSC is part of the Russian Titan Group and is one of the largest petrochemical enterprises in the Omsk Region.
The plant specialises in the production of synthetic rubber and organic synthesis products. In particular, the plant produces isopropyl alcohol, phenol, acetone and other chemical products.
The production complex is situated in the north-western industrial zone of Omsk, within the «Flagman» industrial park. According to the park’s management company, the enterprise’s production facilities cover more than 113 hectares, and the workforce numbers more than three thousand employees.
Synthetic rubbers are used in the manufacture of tyres, rubber products and other industrial materials. Products of organic synthesis are used in various sectors of the chemical industry.
Omsk has previously come under attack from drones
This is not the first report of an attack on Omsk’s industrial infrastructure in October.
8 October Ukrainian drones attacked the Omsk oil refinery, which is owned by Gazprom Neft. A fire broke out on the site following the strike.
At that time, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that the oil refinery had been hit. A Ukrainian company Fire Point reported on the deployment of upgraded FP-1 long-range drones.
At the time of writing, the consequences of the latest attack are still being assessed.
