Explosions were heard in the Russian city of Sochi on the night of 16-17 October. The authorities have claimed that air defence systems were responding to drones and missiles, while flight restrictions were introduced at nine airports in different Russian regions.

Source : Russian media outlets; Sochi Mayor Andrei Proshunin Russian Telegram channel Astra

Details : Proshunin reported at around 03:00 that air defence systems were repelling an attack by UAVs on the city.

"All services are at full alert. They are being coordinated by the city's operational headquarters," he wrote.

Astra published a video from Sochi in which the sounds of sirens and explosions could be heard. Tourists were being taken from hotels to basements and underground car parks.

Proshunin claimed at around 05:00 that the city had come under a missile attack.

Quote from Proshunin : "Air defence systems are responding in Sochi. A missile attack is being repelled. I ask residents and visitors of the city to stay calm and observe safety measures. If you live near the coastline, under no circumstances should you go outside. Stay in a windowless, enclosed space."

Details : Proshunin also urged people not to post on social media any videos showing the air defence system responding, the debris of downed targets or the work of special services.

Russian media outlets reported that, in addition to Sochi airport, restrictions on take-offs and landings were introduced at eight other airports: in Krasnodar, Samara, Kaluga, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Ufa and Yaroslavl.

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