Mass Drone Raid Reported Over Occupied Abkhazia
By Messenger Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
The de facto Defense Ministry of occupied Abkhazia announced on Thursday, March 5, that approximately 30 drones were detected in a large-scale operation across the region the previous night. The statement followed a wave of unconfirmed reports from local residents and media outlets who witnessed the aerial activity.
Badra Gunba, the de facto commander of Abkhazia's air force and air defense, described the scale of the event as a first for the region. While the drones were intercepted, officials did not officially name the source of the aircraft.
"Despite reconnaissance being conducted by the adversary, facilities on the territory of the republic were not a direct target," Gunba was quoted as saying by the news agency Apsnypress.
He noted that the efforts to monitor the region's airspace are continuous and involve close coordination with the Russian military.
"The efforts to protect Abkhazia's airspace are conducted around the clock and in cooperation with the Russian Armed Forces," Gunba said.
According to the de facto ministry, 99% of the drones were neutralized using a combination of missiles, artillery, and electronic warfare. Fragments were reportedly discovered in 11 different settlements, though officials stated they worked to ensure the drones were brought down away from residential neighborhoods.
Gunba also revealed that smaller groups of drones had been intercepted in the past, though those incidents were not made public at the time.
"Previously, up to 5-7 units of drones had been detected and shot down, but these incidents were not publicized to avoid causing panic," Gunba explained. "Now that drone crashes have been reported in many settlements, there is nothing to hide: Abkhazian and Russian air defenses are working together."
Debris has recently been found in various areas, including the Ochamchire district. The Georgian Dream government in Tbilisi has not yet issued a formal comment regarding the reports from the occupied territory.
