In a brazen act, Ukrainian Armed Forces have reportedly targeted a ferry crossing in Kerch port and a boat in Chornomorsk, both located in the occupied region of Crimea. The attacks took place in the early morning hours of Friday, Aug. 16, according to Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Southern Volunteer Army.

Details surrounding the attacks are still emerging, with conflicting reports adding to the confusion. The channel "Crimean Wind" reported smoke billowing from the ferry crossing in Kerch, while a fire was reported in the nearby Kamyanka area near Simferopol. The intensity of the situation was amplified as explosions were heard in Sevastopol, Kerch, Feodosia, and other parts of the Crimean peninsula.

The Russian Ministry of Defense promptly responded, claiming that five Ukrainian drones and two naval drones were responsible for the attacks. Russian authorities assert that they were able to shoot down and destroy the drones in the Black Sea. However, this information has yet to be confirmed.

In a concerning development, both the authorities in Kerch, which is under Russian control, and the Ukrainian side have remained tight-lipped regarding these attacks. Their silence has raised suspicions and fueled speculations about the motives behind the acts of aggression.

As a result of the heightened tensions, long queues of nearly 2,000 cars have formed near the Kerch Strait Bridge throughout the night, causing significant delays. The bridge, which connects occupied Crimea with Russia, has been temporarily closed for security reasons.

An assessment of the damage reveals that the attack on Soviet Street in Kerch caused debris to scatter on the sidewalk and partially destroyed the road, potentially disrupting communications in the area.

The escalating situation in Crimea has raised concerns about the stability of the region. International observers eagerly await official statements from the respective authorities to shed light on the nature of the attacks and the potential repercussions they may have on the already volatile situation.

As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on Crimea as tensions rise and the region braces for potential escalation. The international community closely watches for any developments that may have far-reaching consequences.