Residents of the Belgorod region reported a missile attack.
Late on January 3rd, explosions were heard in the Belgorod region (Russia) against the backdrop of a missile threat announcement. Air defense systems were active in the area.
This information comes from RBK-Ukraine, citing the governor of Belgorod region Vyacheslav Gladkov and local media.
The missile strike threat was declared across the region around 10:30 PM on Friday, and half an hour later, an all-clear signal was given.
Around midnight, the Belgorod governor reported that air defense operations were underway in the Prokhorovsky district (to the north of Belgorod city), and "several aerial targets were shot down."
The Russian official claims that there is one injured person in the village of Prelestnoe (near the administrative border of Belgorod and Kursk regions), who has already received medical assistance.
According to the Russian official, there are "damages to the power line" in the settlement of Prokhorovka, and several streets have lost electricity. Additionally, in the village of Mikhailovka, a gas pipeline was reportedly damaged in a private household, Gladkov stated.
Meanwhile, Belgorod local media are reporting an alleged ballistic strike, detailing explosions in the area of Belgorod city, towards which several ATACMS missiles were supposedly flying. Local Telegram channels also claim that some "downed" munitions are detonating north of the regional center.
Explosions in Belgorod Region
It is worth noting that in the Belgorod region, from where Russian occupiers frequently launch strikes on Ukrainian territory, including attacks on Kharkiv, explosions are not an uncommon occurrence.
For instance, in September, residents of Belgorod reported explosions and alleged "arrivals" amidst a missile attack, with the Russian side blaming Ukraine for the shelling.
Additionally, explosions often occur in the Belgorod region due to Russian aviation bombing Ukraine, but inadvertently dropping bombs on their own territory. Specifically, a recent incident took place at the end of November when occupant military aircraft lost three FAB-250 bombs over the Belgorod region.