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Drones spark gunfire, fearful cries before exploding in Kyiv

October 17, 2022 / 8:50 PM
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Sharjah24: Buzzing like a lawn mower, a white arrow darts across the blue sky and drops obliquely toward its target in Ukraine's capital as policemen crouching next to their patrol car open fire.
When the kamikaze drone explodes along a street devoid of traffic, a thick plume of brown smoke rises high into the air, watched by a handful of bystanders moving skittishly on pavements or hugging buildings.

The unmanned aerial vehicle strikes that officials said killed at least four people in Kyiv early on Monday trigger cries of alarm and send many residents rushing to shelters.

Police officers try to keep their cool.

"We have been here for half an hour and four drones have fallen," says officer Yaraslov, still nervous after firing his kalashnikov.

"It's a bit frightening but it's our job. What can we do? It's normal because it's our work. We have to do it," he adds.

It is 08:13 am (0513 GMT) in the centre of the Ukrainian capital. This is the second strike on the residential Shevchenkivsky district and at least the fourth attack since 06:30 am.

The drone strikes are the second Russian attack on Kyiv since missiles slammed into the city exactly one week ago as people were preparing for their new working week.

Yaroslav and his fellow officer block traffic at the intersection. Their patrol car is about 100 metres (yards) from where the first drone hit.

AFP journalists have been unable to identify the targets.

The mayor's office said a residential building was partially destroyed and at least four people died.
October 17, 2022 / 8:50 PM

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