Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

On the night of August 16, explosions occurred in several cities in occupied Crimea, the Crimean Wind telegram channel reported, citing reports from local residents. A fire was reported near the city of Kerch, in the area of ​​the Kerch ferry.

Residents of Sevastopol, Simferopol and Kerch heard explosions at around 3:30 a.m. local time, according to local media reports. Unconfirmed reports of another fire near the city of Simferopol were reported.

The Kerch Bridge, which connects occupied Crimea with the Russian mainland, was also closed to traffic, residents reported.

The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify the allegations and Ukraine has not yet commented on the alleged attack.

Since the beginning of Russia’s large-scale invasion, Ukraine has launched regular attacks on occupied Crimea and the neighboring Krasnodar region.

According to media reports, residents of Kursk Oblast were evacuated to Russian-occupied Crimea

Evacuated residents of Russia’s Kursk Oblast are being taken to recreational facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea, Suspilne Crimea reported on August 15.