Russia's Engels hit by drone attack overnight: Massive fire and explosions reported
Photo: A massive fire broke out in Engels due to a drone attack (Getty Images)
A series of explosions occurred near the city of Engels in Russia’s Saratov region on the night of January 8. The blasts took place during an aerial attack involving drones. They were followed by a massive fire, reportedly at an oil storage facility, according to Roman Busargin, governor of the Saratov region, and Russian Telegram channels
According to the regional official, drones pose a threat to the area. Air defense forces and assets were deployed in the region.
Later, the Saratov governor claimed that the drones had been "shot down."
"There is debris hitting an industrial facility in Engels. Fire brigades and emergency services are working at the scene," the Russian official stated in a social media post.
Meanwhile, the Telegram channel Shot reported hearing between five and twelve "loud explosions" in Engels. However, a subsequent update on the channel revised the number to approximately 40 explosions.
Russian media also reported a glow from the fire.
The Telegram channel Mash shared a video showing a drone flying toward Engels. According to its information, debris caused a fire near an oil storage facility.
The Exilenova+ Telegram channel also reported on the burning oil facility in Engels, accompanied by footage from the city. Additionally, several photos and videos of this nighttime incident were circulated online.
The Russian side has not reported any casualties from the drone attack or the air defense operations in Engels overnight.
Updated: The strike may have targeted the Crystal Plant oil depot
According to initial reports from the Telegram channel Exilenova+, the oil depot at the Crystal Plant of the Russian Reserve was likely hit during the attack last night.
It was also noted online that this facility is used for storing aviation fuel for the local Engels-2 airbase.
Updated: The drone attack also targeted Saratov
Around 5 AM (Moscow time), the governor of the Saratov region, Roman Busargin, reported that Engels and Saratov had "suffered a massive UAV attack" that night.
"There is damage to one of the industrial facilities. According to preliminary information, no one was injured. Emergency services are working at the scene to mitigate the consequences," the Russian official stated.
Explosions in Russia's Engels
Engels, a Russian city located approximately 700 kilometers from Ukraine, is home to a major base for Russia’s strategic Tu-160 bombers. These bombers are used by Russian forces during aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The Engels-2 airbase officially hosts the 121st Sevastopol Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment. These units operate Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers, respectively.
Explosions in Engels are not a new occurrence. Such incidents have previously been reported near the local military airfield.
For instance, explosions were reported at the Engels airbase on September 17, 2024. At that time, several Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers were believed to be present at the base.
The Russian side also reported a drone strike on Engels and Saratov on August 26.
In July, explosions were reported at the Engels airfield in the Saratov region due to a drone attack. According to RBC-Ukraine sources, this was an operation carried out by Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Additionally, explosions were reported in Engels in April, with the Russian side attributing them to a drone attack.
