Explosions rock Russian air base in Crimea

  • An aerial view of an airfield at Russia's Saki military base, which was rocked by a series of explosions on Tuesday. AP
    An aerial view of an airfield at Russia's Saki military base, which was rocked by a series of explosions on Tuesday. AP
  • The Ukrainian Air Force said nine planes were destroyed in the explosions at the base, which is in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula seized annexed by Russia in March 2014. AP
    The Ukrainian Air Force said nine planes were destroyed in the explosions at the base, which is in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula seized annexed by Russia in March 2014. AP
  • Witnesses said they heard at least 12 explosions on Tuesday afternoon. AP
    Witnesses said they heard at least 12 explosions on Tuesday afternoon. AP
  • Plumes of smoke billow in the direction of Saki air base near Novofedorivka, Crimea. AP
    Plumes of smoke billow in the direction of Saki air base near Novofedorivka, Crimea. AP
  • The explosions rocked nearby communities and shattered the windows of residential buildings. Reuters
    The explosions rocked nearby communities and shattered the windows of residential buildings. Reuters
  • Russia's Defence Ministry said the blasts had been caused by aviation munitions that detonated. Reuters
    Russia's Defence Ministry said the blasts had been caused by aviation munitions that detonated. Reuters
  • People relax at a nearby beach as a cloud of smoke rises above the base in the background. Reuters
    People relax at a nearby beach as a cloud of smoke rises above the base in the background. Reuters
  • Moscow said there were no casualties or damage to aircraft, while the Crimea government said one person had died. Reuters
    Moscow said there were no casualties or damage to aircraft, while the Crimea government said one person had died. Reuters
  • People are evacuated from a nearby settlement after it was rocked by the explosions at the base. Reuters
    People are evacuated from a nearby settlement after it was rocked by the explosions at the base. Reuters
  • Military analysts are sceptical about Russia's claims and have been left wondering what could have struck the base. Reuters
    Military analysts are sceptical about Russia's claims and have been left wondering what could have struck the base. Reuters
  • The base, home to Russia’s Black Sea Attack Regiment, lies far outside the range of US missiles supplied to Ukraine. Reuters
    The base, home to Russia’s Black Sea Attack Regiment, lies far outside the range of US missiles supplied to Ukraine. Reuters