Russian Air Defenses Intercept Projectile Targeting Hmeimim Base in Syria

Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed a projectile targeting Hmeimim airbase in Syria Monday, the Russian military reported Monday evening.

The base is operating normally, with no damage or casualties reported, a spokesperson said. The projectile was an “unknown drone,” according to the Russian military, Sputnik reported.

On May 21… the airspace monitoring facilities at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase detected a small-size unidentified airborne target approaching the base,” the spokesman said in a statement. “The target was destroyed by air defenses deployed at the base.”

 Hmeimim is one of two bases operated by Russia in Syria. It is located in the coastal city of Jableh; Russia’s second base is Tartus. The base came under similar attack in April.

Social media accounts of the attempted attack report four explosions in the sky above Jableh.

H.M