Tiraspol, Transnistria – A drone strike targeted a military installation in Moldova’s breakaway republic of Transnistria, resulting in the destruction of a helicopter and sparking a significant fire, as per local authorities.
The pro-Russian officials in the region quickly attributed the strike to Ukraine, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. However, Moldova’s Bureau for Reintegration Policies disputed these claims after reviewing video footage of the incident, stating that there was no evidence of an attack on Transnistria, describing it as an attempt to instill fear and panic in the area.
The footage of the attack, widely circulated on social media, showed military equipment being destroyed, with officials clarifying that the equipment had not been operational for several years. Authorities in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, are currently in communication with Ukraine regarding the incident.
Transnistria, where Russia maintains around 1,500 troops as peacekeepers, houses significant Soviet-era weapons and ammunition stockpiles at the military depot in Cobasna. The drone strike targeted a base in Tiraspol, the capital of the region, raising questions about the presence of Russian troops at the site.
This incident comes amidst heightened tensions between Transnistria and Moldova’s pro-Western government, with Transnistria recently seeking support from Moscow due to increasing pressure from its neighbor. Moldova, a candidate for EU membership, imposed new customs duties on imports and exports to and from Transnistria at the beginning of the year, further straining relations between the two entities.
Members of the Transnistrian congress had urged the Russian Duma to take action to defend the region against Moldova, highlighting the presence of a significant Russian population in Transnistria. The drone strike also coincided with the final day of Russia’s presidential elections, where a man was apprehended for attempted arson at the Russian Embassy in Chisinau.
The situation in Transnistria remains tense, with ongoing disputes and geopolitical complexities impacting the region’s stability and security. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further incidents like the drone strike are crucial for maintaining peace in the area.