Authorities launched a search operation near Zatun, Galați, after reports indicated possible remnants of drones fell in the area. The Inspectoratul pentru Situații de Urgență (ISU) Galați announced this on Thursday morning, highlighting its collaboration with the Romanian Police and Border Police to secure the vicinity until specialized teams arrived from the Ministry of National Defense (MApN).
According to ISU Galați, "A team from ISU Galați was requested to secure the area alongside the IPJ and Border Police near Zatun, where remnants of a drone are presumed to have fallen, until MApN teams arrive at the event site (location 2 - Zatun area). ISU Galați is participating with a firefighting vehicle equipped with four personnel," they conveyed.
During the night preceding the search, emergency services received eleven calls via the 112 emergency number concerning drone activity, of which nine were directed to ISU Galați and two to ISU Tulcea. This spike in communication indicates heightened public awareness and concern about the presence of drones.
The military situation escalated when the Ministry of National Defense reported the identification of an aerial target invading Romanian airspace by approximately one kilometer, heading toward Ukraine. This prompted authorities to issue a RO-Alert message to populations close to the border areas of Galați and Tulcea.
Adding to the urgency, two F-16 fighter jets from the Romanian Air Force were deployed, followed by two Spanish Eurofighter aircraft, to intercept the unidentified aerial object. The alert status ceased after about 40 minutes, as the situation was evaluated.
MApN also reported the detection of a potential impact zone within Romanian territory, located about ten kilometers east of Galați, which was noted for its proximity to the border with Ukraine. Fortunately, no property damage was reported arising from these incidents.
The search operation reflects the growing concern over aerial threats as drone incidents increase due to the geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine. Given the recent drone assault by Russia near the Romanian border, these incidents underline the volatility of the situation.
Such operations highlight not only the immediate response to possible security threats but also the collaborative efforts among various emergency services to protect citizens and maintain safety. The inter-agency cooperation demonstrates the need for coordinated actions when faced with potential aerial incursions.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring effective responses to similar incidents as Romania navigates its security challenges amid regional conflicts. The search for drone debris not only serves as a precautionary measure but also signals to the public and international community the readiness of the Romanian military and emergency services to act swiftly.
This incident is part of broader efforts to secure Romania's borders and investigate unidentified aerial activities, fostering community trust as local citizens remain vigilant. The operations will continue until all potential dangers are fully assessed and addressed.