On the night of October 29, Russia suffered a massive drone attack that covered at least 19 regions. In Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan, smoke was detected near the large chemical enterprise "Bashkir Soda Company", which produces components for the Russian defense-industrial complex. Local authorities confirmed damage to one of the factories, but did not name the enterprise.

The possible hit on the chemical complex was reported by the Astra publication after OSINT analysis of photographs published by the monitoring channel Supernova+. Researchers determined that smoke was rising in the area of the Bashkir Soda Company (BSC) facilities.

Local residents reported explosions and possible impacts. The first warnings about drone danger appeared around 05:00, and later restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures were introduced at Ufa airport.

Sterlitamak Mayor Emil Shaymardanov confirmed an attack by eight drones. According to him, all drones were shot down and their debris fell on the territory of one of the enterprises. The official reported minor damage and assured that the plant continues to operate normally. He did not specify which enterprise was affected.

The Bashkir Soda Company is one of the largest chemical complexes in Russia and is part of the "Roshim" holding. It specializes in the production of soda ash, baking soda, caustic soda, and other chemicals.

According to Astra, BSC is included in the closed register of defense enterprises of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. The company is also the only Russian producer of terephthaloyl chloride, a chemical compound used in the manufacture of high-strength polymers and aramid materials. These materials are used in the production of body armor, protective helmets, and armor protection for military equipment and aircraft.

This is not the first time smoke has appeared over the enterprise during a drone attack. According to Astra, a similar situation was recorded by OSINT analysts on August 27. At that time, Russian authorities did not comment on possible damage to the chemical complex. The consequences of the current attack directly for BSC production facilities have not yet been reliably determined.

The massive attack also covered Moscow and Moscow region. According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, from the evening of October 28 to the morning of October 29, 613 drones were heading towards the Moscow region. He claims that 231 devices were destroyed on the approaches to the city, and the rest were mostly neutralized at a greater distance.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the interception and destruction of a total of 1214 Ukrainian drones over 19 regions of the country, including Bashkortostan, Udmurtia, Moscow, Bryansk, Kaluga, Tula, Samara, and other regions. There is no independent confirmation of the number of downed drones claimed by the Russian agency.

In Perm Krai, due to the drone threat, restrictions on air transportation were also introduced. As reported by Astra, air raid sirens sounded in Perm and other settlements of the region, and some educational institutions organized evacuation measures.

In particular, Perm State University temporarily suspended classes, and Perm National Research Polytechnic University postponed the start of the educational process. Air defense operations were also reported in the region.

Earlier, on October 23, drones attacked the "Azot" chemical plant of the "Uralkhim" company in Berezniki, Perm Krai. The enterprise produces, in particular, nitric acid, which is used in the manufacture of explosives and gunpowder for the Russian military industry.

Based on materials from: Astra