Russia shoots down drone over its air base in Syria

Syrian regime outlets reported “foreign objects” over Hmeimim air base around 10.30pm local time

Russian air force planes have been operating out of Hmeimim air base in Syria, where a drone was shot down on May 21, 2018, as reported by the military. Alexander Kots / AP 

Russian defence officials confirmed on Monday that the military shot down a drone over Hmeimim air base in Syria.

Syrian regime outlets reported “foreign objects” over the air base at about 10.30pm local time (11.30pm UAE time). An hour later, citing defence ministry sources, Russia’s RIA news agency said that forces had shot down a drone over the base:

“There are neither casualties nor physical damage. Russia’s Hmeimim air base is operating as normal,” the statement said. Syrian regime outlets said the drones came “from areas under control of armed groups”.

Videos emerged on Twitter showing air defences firing over the base:

Drone attacks have become more regular on the air base in the past six months. Since December, three instances of drone attacks have been reported over Hmeimim, the last one happening on April 24. In January, Russia accused the rebels in nearby Idlib of carrying out such attacks.