Southern Russia came under a heavy drone attack overnight on September 12, with more than 70 drones reportedly intercepted over the Rostov region, according to regional Governor Yuri Slyusar.

Slyusar said air defence forces destroyed more than 70 drones over the city of Taganrog and 11 districts of the region, as well as over Taganrog Bay.

In Taganrog, falling debris sparked fires at four commercial properties. Sixteen commercial buildings housing around 20 tenants were damaged, along with five cars.

A private children’s football club, Avangard, was also damaged. According to Slyusar, pictured on the right, more than 300 children train there. The facility includes an indoor sports hall and a football pitch. The governor said the club had been targeted for the second time. After the first attack caused damage, the facility was rebuilt at the owner’s expense.

A food warehouse and the Svetofor wholesale supermarket also caught fire. Slyusar said some of the fires had been extinguished, while emergency crews remained at the scene.

Taganrog Mayor Svetlana Kambulova said a commission would begin inspecting the damaged properties and assessing the extent of the losses on September 14. The authorities have pledged to provide assistance to the owners of the affected premises.

“Everyone will receive the assistance they need. Together, we will overcome all the challenges,” Kambulova said.