Explosives Found On Soviet Era Drone Possibly From Ukraine That Crashed In Capital Of NATO Member Croatia
Traces of explosives have been found on a Soviet-era drone possibly originating from Ukraine that crashed in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, which is a member of the NATO Alliance.
This is according to Croatian Defence Minister Mario Banozic.
The Tupolev Tu-141 reconnaissance drone reportedly crashed down in the neighbourhood of Jarun, in the southwest of the Croatian capital Zagreb, just after 11pm on Thursday, 10th March.
Jarun lies approximately 570 kilometres (354 miles) from Ukraine at its closest point as the crow flies.
The spot where the drone fell lies just 50 metres (164 feet) from a student residence. It damaged some 40 cars parked nearby and left a crater, but there were fortunately no injuries.
And now Croatian Defence Minister Mario Banozic has stated that traces of explosives have been found on the drone.
Banozic said: “Traces of an explosive device have been found, indicating that this was not a reconnaissance drone. We have found parts of an aerial bomb.”
Tupolev Tu-141 drones were used by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are known to currently operate them.
They are 14.33 metres (47 feet) long, 2.44 metres (8 feet) tall and have a wingspan of 3.88 metres (13 feet).
However, the Croatian authorities suggest the drone could also have originated from the Russian Armed Forces.
Banozic said: “We will be able to say what its purpose was only after an analysis. This type of bomb was used by aircraft.”
The Croatian authorities have said that the drone has been removed and that the spot where it crashed has now been made safe.
The incident has raised fears of a spillover of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24th February.
According to the UN, the conflict has so far taken a confirmed 596 civilian lives and wounded 1,067, though the real figures are estimated to be much higher.
The invasion has already resulted in over 2.6 million refugees and over 1.85 million internally displaced persons.
Croatia joined the NATO Alliance as a full member in 2009.
