Drones struck Engels, Russia, igniting new fires at an oil depot linked to a military airfield, days after another blaze was extinguished.
(Saratov) – On the night of January 14, drones attacked the Russian city of Engels, reigniting fires at an oil depot just days after another blaze had been extinguished. The attack, reported by Russian Telegram channels, has raised tensions in the Saratov region, where air raid sirens and explosions rattled the area early in the morning.
Residents reported hearing four to five explosions at around 4:25 a.m. Kyiv time. Shortly after, air raid sirens sounded, and air defence systems were activated. Smoke billowed over one district in Engels, confirming fears of another fire. Videos of the aftermath quickly surfaced on social media, showing the extent of the damage.
The Mash channel claimed that approximately 10 explosions were heard during the attack, and residents told Ostorozhno Novosti that the oil depot had been hit at least twice. While authorities have not confirmed whether the targeted facility was the same one struck on January 8, the signs point to a repeated assault.
Roman Busargin, the governor of Saratov region, acknowledged the attack and confirmed that an industrial facility in Engels had been damaged. Emergency services are working at the site under heightened conditions. No casualties have been reported so far, but explosions reportedly continued throughout the morning. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and seek shelter.
Earlier, on January 8, a similar drone strike ignited a massive fire at the Crystal Plant oil storage facility, which burned for five days before being extinguished. This facility supplies fuel to the Engels-2 military airfield, home to Russia’s strategic aviation units, including Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers. Despite the clear implications, Governor Busargin has repeatedly referred to the target as a generic “industrial facility,” avoiding direct mention of its military significance.
| Timeline of Events | Details |
|---|---|
| January 8 Attack | Drone strike ignites fire at Crystal Plant oil storage, burns for 5 days. |
| January 14 Attack | Unknown drones hit Engels again; explosions heard, fire reignites. |
| Military Links | Crystal Plant supplies fuel to Engels-2, base for Russia’s strategic bombers. |
| Local Response | Air defence activated; residents report multiple explosions. |
The Ukrainian General Staff previously confirmed the January 8 strike, emphasizing the facility’s role in fuelling Russia’s military operations. With this latest attack, Engels appears to remain a vulnerable and critical point in Russia’s war infrastructure.
External Video: Drones Strike Engels Again: New Fire Ignites at Oil Depot
