Explosions In Russia's Saratov Region: Drones Attack Airfield And Oil Refinery In Engels

• 20.03.2025, 8:45

A mushroom cloud rose above the airbase.

On the night of March 20, reports emerged of a drone attack in Russia’s Saratov region. The explosions were reportedly heard in Engels, home to a military airbase, where a "mushroom" of smoke rose following the blasts, according to Obozrevatel.

Russian Telegram channels shared footage of the incident, also spreading information about the alleged evacuation of residents living near the airfield.

"Thick smoke is visible in the '3rd Flight Town' district of Engels after the UAV attack," propagandists wrote, citing local residents.

According to residents of Saratov and Engels, they woke up around 4 a.m. to the loud sound of sirens, followed by a series of explosions. Eyewitnesses later reported a fire at a local oil depot in Engels, and social media began circulating footage of the incident.

Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin stated that the drone attack in Engels "partially shattered windows in two kindergartens and a school," but there were no casualties.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) temporarily suspended operations at Saratov and Samara airports.

The ASTRA public news channel noted that the affected district is located about 10 kilometers from the Engels-2 military airfield, from where Russian aircraft take off to launch missile strikes on Ukraine.

They also pointed out that Russian social media channels began reporting an alleged evacuation of residents near the military airfield following the drone attack.

However, regional or city authorities have not confirmed this. Previously, the governor only announced that school classes in Engels would be held remotely on Thursday.