Unknown drones attack Saratov refinery, fire breaks out
Photo: Emergency responders were working at the site (Russian Emergencies Ministry)
On the night of December 13, unknown drones attacked an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov. The facility had only recently resumed operations, according to Russian media.
What is known about Saratov refinery attack
On the night of December 13, residents reported explosions and possible hits on the territory of the Saratov oil refinery. According to witnesses, a bright flash was seen in the sky, accompanied by loud explosions.
According to preliminary information, emergency responders were dispatched to the site following the suspected strikes in the area of one of the industrial facilities.
Before the attack, Saratov region governor Roman Busargin warned of a drone threat in a Telegram post. After the strike, he said that a "civilian infrastructure facility" had allegedly been hit, without specifying which facility.
Attacks on Saratov refinery
The Saratov oil refinery in Russia has been targeted by drones on multiple occasions. In some cases, following strikes later confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fires broke out at the facility.
Operations at the refinery were suspended and later resumed, but subsequent attacks followed soon after. For example, on November 28, reports said the Saratov refinery and another facility in Crimea were attacked.
The Saratov refinery produces more than 20 types of petroleum products, including gasoline, fuel oil, diesel fuel, and technical sulfur. The facility is involved in supplying the needs of the Russian occupation army.
