The ultimate war crime: Is Putin letting his soldiers use Kherson as a human safari?

The Sun

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Video Summary

Russia's military is engaging in "Khorasan Safari," a disturbing trend of intentionally targeting civilians with drones in the Khorasan region. This practice, which began in May 2024, involves using short-range FPV drones, often equipped with grenades, to hunt and kill civilians in shops, homes, playgrounds, and on their way to work. The attacks, which have resulted in hundreds, possibly thousands, of casualties, are reportedly funded by crowdfunding from Russian civilians and appear to be a fusion of military units and drone operators. This tactic, described as "civilian hunting missions," represents a "bottom of the barrel" of human conduct in war and is entirely illegal under international law.

The "double tap" tactic, where a second drone strike targets first responders, is also being employed, increasing the lethality of these attacks. While investigative reporting has identified some individuals involved, bringing perpetrators to justice is unlikely until the war concludes. The phenomenon is fueled by corruption within the Russian military and a historical propensity for brutality, creating a dire situation for civilians caught in the crossfire.

Short Highlights

Russia is conducting "Khorasan Safari," intentionally targeting civilians with drones.
Attacks occur in shops, homes, playgrounds, and on the way to work.
Short-range FPV drones with grenades are used.
The practice began in May 2024 and has caused hundreds to thousands of casualties.
"Double tap" tactics target first responders.
Attacks are reportedly funded by crowdfunding and linked to military units.
The practice is described as illegal and a "bottom of the barrel" of human conduct in war.

Key Details

"Khorasan Safari": Intentional Civilian Targeting [0:16]

Russian forces are intentionally targeting civilians with drones in the Khorasan region.
This practice has been ongoing since May 2024.
It is described as "Khorasan Safari," or "civilian hunting missions."

"They're going in and they're intentionally targeting civilians."

Drone Attacks and Casualties [0:48]

Recent videos show civilians being chased by drones and injured by explosions.
One vendor survived a drone attack on his truck but sustained shrapnel injuries and a concussion.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of cases have been documented.

"The recent video is interesting, but it just confirms really a trend of videos that we've seen emanating, mainly published by the Russian side actually, of civilians in especially the Khorasan region getting targeted by short range FPV drones."

Modus Operandi and Funding [1:36]

Short-range FPV drones, often "Mogan type," carrying grenades are used.
Khorasan's proximity to front lines makes it within drone range.
The operation appears to be a fusion of military units and drone operators, possibly funded by crowdfunding from Russian civilians.

"And essentially it's a quadcopter, limited range, carrying a grenade usually, and they're going in and they're basically intentionally targeting civilians."

Escalation and Tactics [4:20]

Attacks typically surge over the summer, with significant casualties reported by Autumn 2025 (200 dead, 500 wounded).
Targets include people at shops, homes, children in playgrounds, and commuters.
The "double tap" tactic involves a second drone strike targeting first responders to maximize casualties.

"So you have the first explosion, the first drone strike, and then you wait for the responders. And then you have a second to get the responders."

Illegality and Corruption [7:14]

These actions are explicitly described as illegal under international law.
Investigative reporting and a documentary titled "Khorasan Safari" have highlighted the practice.
The operations are linked to corruption within the Russian military, with potential monetary and propaganda gains, and a disregard for the laws of war.

"But yeah, I mean, given the current situation, all we can do really is get the evidence and hopefully bring people to to justice when the war ends."