State security services in Moldova’s Russia-backed breakaway region of Transnistria said Friday that a drone attacked a military unit close to the border with Ukraine, causing minor damage to a radar station but no casualties.
The incident occurred in the region of Rabnita, about 6 kilometres from the Ukraine border, the region’s state security ministry said, adding that a criminal investigation has been opened.
They did not say who they thought was behind the alleged attack.
Moldova’s Bureau for Reintegration Policies responded by saying that the incident fits “a pattern of provocations” in Transnistria designed to “incite panic and tension” and maintain attention on the region.
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Although Transnistria’s independence isn’t recognised by any UN member countries, including Russia, the Kremlin-friendly territory has become a source of tension during the war, especially since it is wedged between Moldova and Ukraine and is home to a military base with 1,500 Russian troops.
It wasn’t immediately clear if any troops were at the site of the drone incident on Friday.
The separatist region also made headlines in February when authorities used a rare meeting of Transnistria’s congress to appeal to Moscow for “protection” due to what they said was increased pressure from Moldova.
The appeal stopped short of asking Russia to annex the territory, allaying fears in Moldova, which dismissed the event as propaganda.
