“Gap in Sevastopol harbor defense”: pictures of fortifications after the storm appear
The complex system of defensive structures created by the Russian occupiers in Sevastopol to protect against naval drones and other means of destruction was significantly damaged by the hurricane.
Military observers at The War Zone commented on satellite images showing damage in Sevastopol’s harbor in their November 28 publication.
“The Planet Labs satellite image shows the lines of booms, barges and other obstacles that once protected the Russian Black Sea Fleet base in complete disarray. Some of the booms have been torn off, and some barges are no longer visible after the storm,” the experts say.
Russia created these barriers as part of the concept of multi-level sea, coastal and air defense. Barges and nets are also used to stop both surface and underwater attacks. The security system uses additional warning sensors, and airplanes and boats patrol the territory.
Experts also report that in addition to the physical barriers of the harbor, the storm destroyed the pens for specially trained dolphins. It is possible that they were moved to another location before the storm, but their location has not yet been established.
“It would not be surprising to see Ukraine try to exploit this new gap in the defense of Sevastopol harbor. Taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the weather is one of the oldest principles of warfare,” the observers write.
Meanwhile, it is unclear how long it will take the occupiers to restore the damaged buildings. A state of emergency is still in effect in some parts of Crimea. The occupation authorities report that work is underway to restore civilian infrastructure, but there is no mention of repairing the port’s defenses.
A storm washed away trenches in occupied Crimea that the Russian army dug out on the beaches.
According to information from Crimean media, in Yevpatoria the water washed away the defense line on the coast, engineering buildings and firing positions.
The speed of wind at the coasts… pic.twitter.com/D9fFoISSYK
– Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 26, 2023
