Drone Explodes Near Bulgarian Gas Pipeline After Crossing From Romania

A drone exploded in Bulgarian airspace on Saturday morning shortly after crossing the border from Romania, according to Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The incident occurred at approximately 8:10 AM local time, about 100 meters inside Bulgarian territory.

Radev stated that the explosion took place near the former Kardam border checkpoint, in close proximity to critical energy infrastructure. The blast site is roughly 200 meters from a Romanian compressor station and about one kilometer from Bulgaria's compressor station on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline.

The drone was not detected or identified while flying through either Romanian or Bulgarian airspace. Romanian border police reportedly heard the drone's noise, while Bulgarian police in General Toshevo heard the subsequent explosion.

Authorities have cordoned off the area. Border police, national police, and Ministry of Defense units are on site working to determine the type of drone involved. Radev confirmed there are no casualties or damage to buildings.

Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said the incident will be raised at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council early next week. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to monitor the situation.