Wagner chief claims to have seized control of key military facilities in 2 Russian cities

Escalating Conflict: Private Mercenary Group Claims Control of Russian Military Facilities

Tensions between Moscow's military leadership and Yevgeny Prigozhin, the outspoken chief of the private mercenary group known as Wagner, have erupted into a full-blown insurrection, plunging Russia into a state of uncertainty.

Amidst this escalating conflict, Prigozhin has made bold claims of seizing control over key military installations in two Russian cities—Rostov and Voronezh. These developments have prompted heightened security measures in the capital, Moscow, according to the city's mayor.

Control Allegations in Rostov: In a video statement, Prigozhin asserted his presence in Rostov-on-Don, a city situated in southern Russia near the Ukrainian border. He declared that his forces have taken control of military facilities and the local airfield. Prigozhin further issued a threat to blockade Rostov and proceed to Moscow unless the Defense Minister and top general of Russia met him in the city. Notably, Rostov is home to Russia's Southern Military District headquarters. Prigozhin emphasized that his men were not impeding the officers from performing their duties. While independent verification of his claims remains unavailable, social media videos geolocated to Rostov city depict military vehicles on the streets and helicopters hovering overhead on Saturday morning. The command of these vehicles, however, remains unclear.

Claims of Control in Voronezh: The Wagner group later announced that it had gained control over Russian military facilities in Voronezh, a city located in southwestern Russia. They proclaimed that "the army switches to the side of the people." Earlier, the governor of Voronezh oblast confirmed the movement of a military equipment convoy along the M-4 Don Federal Highway. Notably, this highway connects Voronezh and Rostov-on-Don, with Voronezh lying directly north of the Rostov region.

Alleged Helicopter Attack: Prigozhin made additional claims, asserting that one of his forces had shot down a helicopter that had fired upon a civilian convoy. However, he provided no further details regarding the incident. He accused the chief of staff of the Russian military of ordering an aerial attack "in the middle of civilian cars." Prigozhin later mentioned that his units had been targeted by a helicopter on a highway. As these claims remain unverified, CNN cannot independently confirm their accuracy.

Prigozhin Accuses Russia of Casualties: The Wagner chief accused Russia's military leadership of causing significant casualties among his mercenary forces during an airstrike on their camp. In response, Prigozhin vowed to retaliate, warning that "many dozens, tens of thousands of lives, of Russian soldiers will be punished." He requested that no resistance be offered. In a subsequent Telegram post, Prigozhin clarified that his criticism of the military leadership was a "march of justice" rather than a coup. Russia's Ministry of Defense denied Prigozhin's claims, dismissing them as an "informational provocation."

Russia Accuses Prigozhin of "Armed Rebellion": In a swift response, the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's domestic intelligence agency, urged Wagner fighters to apprehend their leader. Furthermore, a criminal case was opened against Prigozhin, with the state news agency TASS reporting that he was being accused of inciting "armed rebellion." Russia's Ministry of Defense appealed to Wagner forces, urging them to "safely return to their points of permanent deployment" and asserting that they had been deceived into participating in Prigozhin's criminal venture.

Enhanced Security Measures: Responding to the escalating situation, the mayor of Moscow declared the implementation of stringent "anti-terrorist measures" throughout the city. While the streets of Moscow appear calm, there is a noticeable increase in security measures at government agencies. Meanwhile, in Rostov, military vehicles are observed traversing the streets. Posts have been established near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov, where military personnel and law enforcement officers are maintaining order, as reported by a correspondent from TASS.