Unknown drones strike Saratov and Engels — Refinery blaze reported
Photo: rescuer of the Russian Emergencies Ministry (Telegram mchs_official)
In the early hours of December 7, unknown-origin drones attacked Saratov and Engels, triggering air-raid sirens as local residents reported hearing powerful explosions, according to Russian media.
At around 1 a.m., an air-raid alert was declared in Saratov due to unidentified drones in the sky.
The local airport halted all arrivals and departures, activating the Kover protocol.
Later, residents began reporting in local community channels that loud explosions were shaking walls in the central and northern parts of the city, accompanied by intense sirens. A total of five explosions were counted.
The pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+, citing residents of the city of Engels in the Saratov region, reported a fire at a local oil depot.
Reports also mentioned the activation of Russian air defenses.
In the morning, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed it had shot down 42 drones over the region.
Saratov and Engels were attacked by unidentified drones, with reports of a refinery fire.
Drone attacks in Saratov region
RBC-Ukraine previously reported a series of explosions over the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels on the night of November 11. Local channels wrote about a fire at the Saratov refinery. Residents reported hearing explosions in both cities shortly after 1 a.m., with a total of about 5–7 loud blasts.
Earlier, on November 8, the entire Saratov region declared an alert due to a drone attack, with residents reporting explosions.
Saratov is home to a refinery that produces gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, several grades of bitumen, vacuum gas oil, technical sulfur, and other products — more than 20 types of petroleum products in total.
It is also worth noting that the Engels air base is located in the Saratov region — the site from which Russia launches aircraft for missile strikes on Ukraine.
