Drones attack Sterlitamak, with smoke seen near chemical plant supplying Russia's defence industry

Monitoring Telegram channels have reported a drone attack on the city of Sterlitamak in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan, where explosions have been heard and smoke has been seen rising near the Bashkir Soda Company.

After examining photos by Supernova+, Astra determined that the smoke was rising near the Bashkir Soda Company, one of Russia's largest chemical complexes. The authorities have not commented on reports of possible damage to the facility.

Astra said the Bashkir Soda Company is listed in the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade's classified register of defence facilities and is the country's only producer of terephthaloyl chloride.

The compound is used to manufacture aramid materials, which are used to make body armour, helmets and armoured protection for military vehicles and aircraft.