(CHECHNYA, GROZNY CITY) – A government occupied skyscraper in the centre of Grozny suffered serious damage after what officials and independent sources say was a drone strike. The blast destroyed parts of the upper floors of the Grozny City complex, a major landmark in the Chechen capital.
Video shared online shows shattered glass and a broken facade around the damaged levels. The building is used by important regional authorities including the Chechen Security Council, the Ministry of Tourism and the Accounts Chamber. It also hosts the regional election commission and offices responsible for links with public and religious organisations.
Reports from the opposition Chechen project NIYSO suggest that the strike led to a strong explosion just after air defences were placed on alert. Authorities had already announced a high risk of drone attacks in Grozny and surrounding towns.
A security plan known as Kovor had been activated at airports in Grozny, Magas and Vladikavkaz. This limits flight activity in order to guard against unmanned aircraft.
The strike follows another incident earlier this week. On the night of 2 December, Ukrainian drones targeted a building used by the Russian Federal Security Service in Achkhoy Martan district. That facility was destroyed by fire. Russian state sources claimed that four drones were shot down over Chechnya during the same night.
Officials in Moscow and Grozny have not provided full details about the latest attack.
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| Chechen Security Council | Regional security coordination |
| Ministry of Tourism | Development of tourism programmes |
| Accounts Chamber | Financial oversight |
| Regional Election Commission | Election organisation |
| Ministry of Justice regional office | Legal services supervision |
| Public and Religious Relations Office | Community and religious liaison |
Investigations into the scale of the damage and any casualties are ongoing.
