(Kyiv) – On the night of November 19, 2024, Ukraine’s military forces carried out a successful strike on a key Russian ammunition depot located in the Bryansk Oblast, causing multiple explosions and widespread damage. This marked the first known use of US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles by Ukraine to target a military installation within Russian territory, following approval from US President Joe Biden.
The attack targeted the 67th GRAU Arsenal, an important Russian military facility that stores a wide range of munitions. The arsenal contained artillery shells, North Korean-supplied ammunition for Russian systems, guided aerial bombs, anti-aircraft missiles, and multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) ammunition. The facility is managed by the GRAU, or the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed the strategic importance of the arsenal in a statement.
According to a report from Ukraine’s General Staff, the attack took place around 2:30 a.m. local time, resulting in twelve secondary explosions and detonations. Local media and Telegram channels shared videos showing large explosions, with some reports indicating that the blast could be heard throughout the region. The Russian news channel Astra reported that local residents in the town of Karachev, close to the site of the attack, had been discussing the blasts throughout the night. Additionally, sirens and public alerts were activated to warn citizens about the unfolding situation.
The attack’s scale was significant, drawing attention to Ukraine’s continued use of long-range weaponry to strike Russian military infrastructure, including key supply lines. In previous months, Ukrainian forces have intensified their strikes against military targets within Russian territory, with particular focus on ammunition depots, fuel storage, and military airbases. These efforts have severely disrupted Russian supply chains and hindered its ability to maintain military operations.
Despite claims from the Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz that Russian air defenses intercepted twelve fixed-wing drones during the strike, reports from local sources indicated continued explosions, with residents hearing more blast sounds even after the initial attack. The same ammunition storage facility had been targeted in previous attacks in June 2024 and October 2023, indicating its ongoing strategic importance.
Meanwhile, in Russia’s Rostov Oblast, authorities reported a separate incident involving drone attacks near the Azov Sea coast. Ukrainian drones were allegedly shot down near the town of Taganrog, and a person was reported injured in another area due to a drone crash.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Attack | November 19, 2024 |
| Location | 67th GRAU Arsenal, Bryansk Oblast, Russia |
| Weapon Used | Likely ATACMS ballistic missiles |
| Target | Russian military ammunition depot |
| Explosion Reports | 12 secondary explosions confirmed |
| Previous Strikes | Attacked in June 2024 and October 2023 |
| Casualties | No immediate casualties reported |
Video – Explosions Rock Russian Military Depot in Bryansk Oblast