A drone attack struck the Foros sanatorium complex in occupied Crimea on 21 September evening, resulting in three civilian deaths and 16 injuries, according to Russian-appointed regional head Sergey Aksyonov.

During that period of time, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 22 Ukrainian drones, including three over the annexed Crimea.

The strikes occurred at facilities where high-ranking officials may have been present, with the Telegram channel “Crimean Wind” citing sources claiming “very important guests were at the sanatorium” at the time of the attack, while other sources suggest the FSB maintains operations there and that senior officials frequent the location.

The strikes occurred around 7:30 p.m. Moscow time and hit multiple facilities in the resort area, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defense.

The ministry stated the attack involved “UAVs equipped with high-explosive warheads” and confirmed two civilian fatalities, though Aksyonov later raised the death toll to three.

The timing of the attack has drawn particular attention due to reports of high-profile visitors at the targeted facilities. According to the sanatorium’s Telegram channel, the restaurant at the Foros sanatorium was closed for “special service” on the day of the attack, Russian Telegram channel Astra reports.

Two drones also struck the Terletsky boarding school, while another hit the Luciano hotel located within the Foros sanatorium grounds. 

The attack involved an estimated six to eight drones flying over the village of Foros, with at least one confirmed shot down over the Black Sea, according to witness accounts. 

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the attack yet.