A suspected Geran-2 (Shahed-136) drone crashed and exploded near the village of Copanca in Moldova’s Căușeni district early on Monday, July 13, sparking a fire but causing no injuries.
Police said the 112 emergency service received a call at approximately 1:03 a.m. Officers and firefighters arrived at the scene, extinguished the fire, and secured the area. Preliminary information indicates that no one was injured.
According to the Air Operations Service of the National Army, initial assessments suggest the object was a Geran-2 (Shahed-136) drone that entered Moldova’s airspace during Russia’s overnight aerial attacks on Ukraine’s Odesa region. Specialized teams are investigating the incident.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violation of Moldova’s airspace, calling it “a serious and unacceptable violation” of the country’s sovereignty. The ministry said the incident once again demonstrates that Russia’s war against Ukraine poses direct security risks to Moldovan citizens and regional stability.
The ministry also reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while continuing to work with international partners to strengthen the country’s security and resilience.
Authorities urged residents who discover suspicious flying objects not to approach, touch, or move them. Instead, they should remember the location, move at least 500 meters away, avoid using mobile phones near the object because explosive devices may be sensitive to radio signals, and immediately call the 112 emergency service.