In the quiet village of Sredny, residents were caught off guard by a sudden drone attack on a nearby military base. The event, part of a broader operation, marked the first time drones struck targets in Siberia. The village, home to many military families, is just a stone's throw from the Belaya military airfield.

The attack happened on a Sunday evening. A seemingly ordinary cargo truck parked near a roadside café, and then drones took flight from its roof, heading straight for the airfield. Within minutes, smoke billowed from the base, signaling the start of the assault. The drones, part of a covert operation, had been smuggled into Russia and launched from deep within the country.

Residents of nearby villages shared their experiences. Andrey Kharchenko, who lives in Novomaltinsk, watched as the drones flew overhead. He rushed to bring his children inside, fearing for their safety. His wife, Yekaterina, captured the scene on her phone, recording the pale smoke rising from the fields and the darker smoke from the base. The village head imposed a curfew, and locals took matters into their own hands, grabbing hunting rifles to shoot down the drones. The field behind Andrey's building was left scorched, a stark reminder of the event.

In the village of Badai, Lyudmila Zuyeva and her son Alexander were also affected. Lyudmila heard the commotion from her yard and saw the black smoke rising from the airfield. Her son, armed with a hunting rifle, joined other locals to try and bring down the drones. The Zuyevs had been actively supporting Russian soldiers and their families since the mobilization campaign.

The village of Sredny, once a closed military town, saw its main road blocked off after the attack. Officers inspected every vehicle, and the road was backed up with long-haul trucks. By the next day, the road was reopened, but the presence of camouflaged personnel hinted at the recent events. Locals, however, seemed unfazed, going about their daily routines and avoiding discussions about the incident.

The drone attack highlighted the vulnerability of military bases, even those far from the front lines. It also showcased the resilience and resourcefulness of local residents, who took immediate action to protect their community. The event serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilian lives. The people of these villages are living with the reality of war, even if it's not always visible.

The attack on the Belaya Air Base in Siberia was a wake-up call for the residents of nearby villages. It brought the conflict closer to home, forcing them to confront the realities of war. The incident also highlighted the importance of community and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. As the world watches the conflict unfold, the stories of these villagers offer a unique perspective on the human side of the war.

LOCAL RESPONSE TO ATTACK

Drones Over Siberia: A Village's Close Call

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