Attack on Engels' airfield carried out by Defense Intelligence of Ukraine - sources
Photo: Russian Engels was attacked by Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (Getty Images)
The city of Engels, where the airfield is located, was attacked overnight on March 20. This was the work of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to RBC-Ukraine's sources in the particular services.
The sources said this was a "planned operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine," and the results are being clarified.
What is known about the night attack on Engels
That night, the city of Engels in the Saratov region was attacked by drones. Citizens heard at least 4 explosions. Videos were also posted online, where fairly loud explosions could be heard.
The local authorities reported on the drone attack and claimed that supposedly all UAVs "were shot down over the city."
Later, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that there were five "Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles" in total. One of them, allegedly, was "shot down" over the Belgorod region, while the other four were over the Saratov region.
Engels-2 airfield
Engels is home to the Russian Air Force's Engels-2 military airbase. This airfield is about 700 kilometers from the nearest territory controlled by Ukraine.
"Engels-2" is one of the largest and most technically equipped airbases in Russia. It serves as a base for strategic bombers, such as the Tu-95MS, attacking targets in Ukraine.
In addition, it is the only place in Russia where strategic bombers Tu-160 are based.
Previously, blows have already been heard at this airbase. For example, on December 5, 2022, two Tu-95MS were damaged due to explosions. Satellite images later released showed that the first aircraft of this type was lost (damaged or destroyed) in combat conditions. According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the airbase was attacked using Tu-141 Strizh drones filled with explosives.
On December 26, 2022, explosions were also heard at the airbase. At that time, the Ukrainian Air Force stated that it was a result of armed aggression by Russia. At the same time, the enemy's Ministry of Defense reported the death of three and the injury of four individuals. On December 29, 2022, explosions were heard again at the airfield.
