Russia accidentally fires on own territory and causes explosion near civilians, MOD says

A Russian fighter jet has accidentally fired upon its own territory causing an explosion, according to the MOD.

The incident occurred in the city of Belgorod, across the border with Ukraine, where a fighter aircraft released an FAB-250 munition in the incident on 04 May.

"This is not an isolated incident," said the MOD.

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"On 18 February a FAB-250 was reportedly released on Solot in the Belgorod area which led to the evacuation of 150 residents," said the MOD in its latest intelligence update.

"The Belgorod Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the explosion and damage on Razdobarkina Street, Belgorod without identifying the cause.

"Thirty houses and 10 cars were damaged, with five individuals requiring hospital care, illustrating the destructive power of the munition."

The MOD believes that incidents similar to this are 'fairly common'.

It is believed that 20 munitions were accidentally dropped in the Belgorod region between March and April this year.

MOD said: "These instances indicate Russia's continued inability to successfully employ their munitions on intended targets. Such errors have destructive and lethal consequences for the Russian population."