Drone attack on Engels airfield in Russia: explosions, fires and evacuation
On the night of March 20, 2025, units of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces, struck the Engels airfield in the Saratov region of the Russian Federation. This military facility is used by Russian aviation to launch missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine and terrorist attacks against civilians.
Details of the attack and its consequences
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a fire, explosions and secondary detonation of ammunition were recorded in the area of the Engels airfield. This military facility is used by the occupying forces' aircraft, in particular, to launch missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine and terrorist attacks against civilians.
Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the fire at the airfield and announced the evacuation of residents of nearby buildings. The attack damaged more than 30 buildings, a hospital, two kindergartens and a school. Two people were injured. A state of emergency has been declared in the Engelsky district, and the city's schools have been switched to distance learning.
According to Defense Express, an ammunition depot exploded near the Engels strategic aviation base near Saratov, where Tu-95MS and Tu-160 are based. Previously, it was a depot where Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles were stored.
The importance of Engels airfield for Russian aviation
Engels airfield is one of the main bases of Russian strategic aviation, where Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers are deployed, which are used for missile attacks on Ukraine. Earlier, in December 2024, Ukrainian drones had already attacked this airfield, which led to damage to a strategic bomber and forced the Russian command to reduce the presence of aviation at this facility.
Reaction of local authorities and residents
Local authorities reported the most massive drone attack on the Saratov region since the war. Residents of Engels and Saratov heard explosions and saw thick smoke in the area of the airfield. Rosaviatsia temporarily suspended the operation of airports in Saratov and Samara.
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