Russian Military Mistakenly Drops 1.5 Tons Powerful Bomb in Grocery Store of Occupied Territory
The Russian military has accidentally dropped a significant bomb in one of its occupied territories in Ukraine, as reported by the Daily Express.
The 1.5-ton aerial weapon, believed to be a FAB-1500, struck a grocery store in Russian-occupied Yenakievo, situated east of Donetsk Oblast.
The FAB-1500, a Soviet-designed explosive commonly launched from fighter jets, possesses considerable destructive power. Capable of accurately maneuvering to targets up to 43 miles (69 kilometers) away, it presents a challenge for air defense systems to intercept. Utilizing a guidance system and pop-out wings, the bomb can glide toward its target.
In the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has employed the FAB-1500 to penetrate Ukrainian defenses, influencing the frontline dynamics significantly. Reports suggest that the bomb, capable of creating a crater 15 meters (49 feet) wide, has inflicted extensive damage on thermal power plants, factories, and residential buildings in the war-torn nation.
Had the bomb detonated in the Donetsk store, it would have caused catastrophic damage and dealt a significant blow to the morale of the Russian military.
This incident adds to a series of errors made by invading forces during their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. In July 2022, the Ukrainian military shared a video revealing Russian forces mistakenly downing their newest combat jet – the Su-34M fighter-bomber. The following year, Moscow’s troops mistakenly targeted and took down an Iranian-supplied drone, believing it to be Ukrainian. Furthermore, on the battlefield, invading forces have been observed committing major lapses, such as the use of "meat assaults," wherein a large number of soldiers advance into an enemy area with minimal cover.
These incidents highlight the challenges and consequences associated with military operations in complex and dynamic environments like Ukraine.