Iskander Missiles Rain Down- What Led to the Tragic Attack on Odesa?
Image Credit: Saudi Gazette
A recent Russian missile attack on the Black Sea port city of Odesa has left at least five individuals dead and over 30 injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The assault, captured in dramatic video footage released by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, showcased a barrage of bomblets detonating within moments of each other, causing widespread devastation in a region near the seafront.
Adding to the grim scene, images circulated by officials revealed a blaze consuming the distinctive cone-shaped towers and roof of an educational institution colloquially referred to as the “Harry Potter castle,” due to its architectural resemblance to the famed wizardry school. Ukrainian officials suspect the use of an Iskander ballistic missile and cluster munitions by Russian forces in the attack.
Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin detailed the aftermath, noting the recovery of missile debris and metal fragments within a considerable radius from the site of the assault. Furthermore, he indicated that the investigation found evidence suggesting the deliberate deployment of cluster munitions, with the intent of maximizing casualties.
Among the casualties, two children and a pregnant woman were reported injured in the attack, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
Beyond human casualties, the strike inflicted substantial damage to nearly 20 residential buildings and critical infrastructure facilities in the vicinity.
The use of cluster munitions is prohibited under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty. However, neither Ukraine, Russia, nor the United States, which has provided military aid to Ukraine, are signatories to the convention.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities claim to have successfully intercepted a significant missile and drone attack launched by Ukraine’s military against Crimea.
Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed top civilian official in occupied Crimea, issued warnings against approaching potential unexploded ordnance while urging individuals to refrain from recording or disseminating videos of Russian air defense operations.
Russian military sources identified airfields as the primary targets of the assault, asserting that six US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) were utilized in the attack, all of which were reportedly intercepted by Russian air defenses.
While Russian claims remain unverified and Ukraine has not officially responded to the allegations, the incident underscores the escalating tensions and volatile situation prevailing in the region.
As both sides continue to exchange accusations and engage in military maneuvers, the specter of further violence and instability looms large over the region, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict’s devastating consequences.
This story was originally featured on CNN
