In a disturbing development from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, residents of Kherson report a terrifying new tactic: Russian forces using drones to pursue civilians in what locals describe as a "safari."
The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which endured Russian occupation for eight months until its liberation in November 2022, now faces systematic drone attacks targeting its remaining 80,000 residents. These attacks represent a stark shift in warfare tactics, with drones actively chasing both vehicles and pedestrians through city streets.
The drone attacks began approximately six months ago and have become a daily occurrence, creating an atmosphere of constant fear among the civilian population. This harassment comes after Kherson's population has already decreased dramatically from its pre-war level of 280,000 residents.
The city's civilians, who previously survived eight months of occupation and devastating floods from the destroyed Kakhovka dam in June 2023, now must constantly look over their shoulders for approaching drones. While Russian forces maintain positions across the Dnieper River, they continue to terrorize the city through both traditional artillery shelling and these new targeted drone pursuits.
Military analysts suggest these drone operations may serve as training exercises for Russian pilots, using civilian targets for practice in a real combat environment. This practice would constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians.
The situation in Kherson highlights an evolving dimension of modern warfare, where civilian populations face not only conventional military threats but also psychological warfare through persistent drone surveillance and pursuit.