A drone strike targeted a fuel storage facility in Engels, located in Russia's Saratov region, igniting a massive fire at the Kristall reserve fuel depot.
This facility supplied aviation fuel to the Engels-2 strategic airbase, according to Russian media outlet Astra on January 8.
The first explosions were reported around 3 a.m. local time, followed by a blaze at the fuel depot, which is part of Rosrezerv — a federal agency managing national fuel reserves.
The depot is situated roughly 8 kilometers from Engels-2 airbase, home to Russian strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-160. These aircraft have been frequently used to launch cruise missile attacks on Ukraine.
Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the fire, attributing it to debris from a downed drone.
“Saratov and Engels experienced a massive drone attack last night. One industrial facility was damaged, but no injuries have been reported,” he wrote on Telegram.
The Kristall depot contains 46 storage tanks for petroleum products, including aviation fuel vital for long-range bomber operations.
The Russian Ministry of Defense later announced that it had intercepted 11 drones in the Saratov region.
Engels-2 airbase hosts the 22nd Heavy Bomber Division, which includes the 121st Bomber Regiment operating Tu-160 bombers and the 184th Regiment equipped with Tu-95 bombers.
This incident follows earlier drone strikes targeting Russia’s largest commercial seaport, Ust-Luga, in the Leningrad region.
