Saratov and Engels in Russia under attack by unknown drones, fire reported near oil refinery
Illustrative photo: emergency services working at the explosion site (Getty Images)
A series of explosions rocked the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels overnight on November 11. Local channels also reported a fire at the Saratov oil refinery, according to Russian media.
According to local channels, air defense systems were active over Saratov and Engels due to a suspected drone attack. Residents reported explosions in both cities shortly after 1 AM local time, with a total of around five to seven loud blasts heard.
Eyewitnesses said flashes were visible in the southwest of Saratov, accompanied by the sound of engines in the sky. Loudspeakers in the cities broadcast sirens and urged residents to stay away from windows and seek shelter.
So far, there has been no official information about casualties or damage.
Earlier, Saratov region governor Roman Busargin had warned of a potential UAV attack, while Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) temporarily restricted flights at Saratov Airport.
Drone attacks on Saratov region
Earlier, on November 8, air raid alerts were declared across Russia’s Saratov region due to a drone attack, with locals reporting explosions.
Saratov is home to an oil refinery that produces gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, various grades of bitumen, vacuum gas oil, technical sulfur, and other products, over 20 types of petroleum products in total.
The region is periodically visited by unidentified drones, prompting responses from local air defenses. The Engels air base, located in the Saratov region, serves as a launch site for Russian aircraft carrying out missile strikes against Ukraine.
