A huge fire erupted at an oil depot in Russia after Ukraine launched a « massive » drone attack overnight well behind enemy lines.
Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin claimed debris from the attack struck an « industrial facility » at 5.30am local time after the attack. It is believed an oil facility in the city of Engels caught fire.
The explosions occurred during an aerial assault involving drones, followed by a massive fire, reportedly at an oil storage facility, according to Roman Busargin, governor of the Saratov region, and Russian Telegram channels.
The regional official stated that drones pose a threat to the area. Air defence forces and assets were deployed in response.
Later, the Saratov governor announced that the drones had been « shot down. »
The Exilenova+ Telegram channel also reported the burning oil depot in Engels, accompanied by footage from the city. Several photos and videos of the nighttime incident circulated online.
The Russian authorities have not reported any casualties from the drone attack or the air defence operations in Engels overnight.
Initial reports from the Telegram channel Exilenova+ suggested that the oil depot at the Crystal Plant of the Russian Reserve was likely struck during the attack.
It was also noted online that this facility stores aviation fuel for the Engels-2 airbase.
At about 5am (Moscow time), Saratov Governor Roman Busargin reported that Engels and Saratov had been subjected to a « massive UAV attack » overnight.
He said: « There is damage to one of the industrial facilities. According to preliminary information, no injuries have been reported. Emergency services are working to mitigate the consequences. »
Engels, a Russian city approximately 435 miles (700 kilometres) from Ukraine, hosts a significant base for Russia’s strategic Tu-160 bombers, used in aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The Engels-2 airbase officially houses the 121st Sevastopol Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, operating Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers, respectively.
Explosions in Engels are not unprecedented, with prior incidents reported near the local military airfield.
For example, explosions occurred at the Engels airbase on 17 September 2024, during which several Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers were reportedly present.
A drone strike on Engels and Saratov was also reported on 26 August.
In July, explosions at the Engels airfield in the Saratov region were attributed to a drone attack. Sources from RBC-Ukraine claimed this was an operation by Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Additionally, explosions in Engels were reported in April, which the Russian side also attributed to a drone attack.
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