Explosions rock Saratov - Local oil refinery hit, fire reported
Photo: Saratov region targeted by unidentified drones (Getty Images)
In the early hours of November 3, explosions were heard in Saratov, as Russian sources reported yet another attack by unidentified drones. Preliminary reports indicate that a local oil refinery was hit, according to Russian channels.
The first reports of explosions emerged around 00:50 AM Kyiv time, with residents of Saratov and Engels in Russia’s Saratov region hearing sirens and air defense activity, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing Russian Telegram channels such as SHOT.
"Powerful explosions in the sky began around 1 a.m. and have continued intermittently. Residents of the Balakovo and Kalininsky districts also heard the sound of drones and blasts," SHOT wrote.
Shortly afterward, videos and photos began circulating on social media, allegedly showing the aftermath of the drone strike. Local channels claimed that the target was a nearby oil refinery.
Later, reports appeared of a fire breaking out near the AVT-6 unit, which is believed to be located within the refinery complex.
One of the drones failed to hit the pentane-hexane isomerization unit at the Saratov oil refinery because of an anti-drone net installed over the facility.
Strikes on Russian oil refineries
Russia has been regularly reporting drone attacks across its territory, with oil refineries often becoming the main targets. Some of these incidents have been confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff.
Recently, Ukrainian forces have conducted around 160 strikes on oil refineries and other strategic facilities deep inside Russia. The attacks have resulted in a 90% reduction in oil production and caused a fuel shortage exceeding 20%.
