The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case in response to a suspected terrorist act connected to the Tambov gunpowder factory incident in Kotovsk that occurred on November 11. Local authorities and media outlets report that the case is being pursued with the seriousness such cases demand, and the news outlet Kommersant provided coverage of the developing situation.
The event unfolded on a Saturday night, with flames being brought under control approximately ninety minutes after they began. The area affected extended to roughly 300 meters, but there were no reported fatalities. Emergency responders and investigators coordinated to secure the scene, ensure public safety, and begin a thorough assessment of the damage and potential causes.
According to sources cited by the newspaper, remnants such as wheels, a chassis, engine parts, and a carburetor were located at the explosion site. Experts analyzing these findings proposed that the drone involved in the attack was likely pieced together from these components, underscoring the complexity of the incident and the potential for improvised weaponry in high-risk facilities.
A few days later, authorities reported another attempt to strike a facility in the Tambov region using a drone. Early reports indicate the drone targeted the same or a related site, with attempts to breach secure areas around 07:00 in the morning. The craft reportedly crashed within the facility premises, causing damage to the roof of a workshop involved in mass mixing. A subsequent fire erupted but was quickly contained and extinguished by the response teams, preventing further escalation of damage.
Earlier in the year, there was a separate explosion at a Kotovsk gunpowder facility. The enterprise’s press service attributed the incident to work conducted during installation activities carried out by an external contractor, noting that the event was unintended and linked to third-party involvement. The clarification aimed to reassure the public that the blast was not an act of sabotage linked to internal operations.
Separately, in Kabardino-Balkaria a difficult case emerged involving an arson attempt against a military registration and enlistment office. The incident has drawn attention to a broader pattern of security concerns and the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding sensitive infrastructure and government facilities across the region. The investigative process continues as officials gather evidence, review security protocols, and assess any possible links between these incidents. The public is advised to monitor official updates from reliable outlets and to remain vigilant about safety and security developments across the affected areas. In all cases, investigators emphasize the importance of rapid response, thorough forensic analysis, and transparent communication to build a clear picture of what happened and why, while ensuring accountability where wrongdoing is confirmed.