Overnight on March 20, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) confirmed a successful drone attack on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase, located in Saratov Oblast. This marks the heaviest drone strike on the region since the start of the full-scale war.
Significant Damage Reported at Engels-2 Airbase
The attack caused a series of explosions, a fire, and secondary detonations of ammunition at the military base, which is home to Russia’s strategic bomber planes frequently used for missile strikes on Ukraine. A local news outlet, Astra, reported on the explosions near the airbase, and Ukrainian officials confirmed the involvement of the SBU and Special Operations Forces in executing the attack.
Evacuations and Civilian Impact
Following the strike, Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the evacuation of nearby residents due to the danger posed by the blasts. Russian air defenses were deemed ineffective, and several missiles fired by Russian forces caused damage to civilian buildings and infrastructure in Engels and Saratov. Two civilians were injured, and around 30 homes were affected. Additionally, windows in local schools, kindergartens, and a hospital were broken.
Strategic Military Targets and Retaliation
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed that the Engels-2 airbase serves as a key military facility for Russian aerial operations against Ukraine, including missile strikes and attacks on civilian areas. Following the drone assault, air raid alerts were triggered, with multiple explosions reported in Saratov and Engels. Russian Telegram channels indicated that at least four explosions were heard around 4 a.m. local time.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defenses successfully downed 132 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 54 intercepted over Saratov Oblast. However, these defense measures failed to prevent significant damage to both military and civilian infrastructure.
Response and Impact on Regional Operations
In response to the drone attack, a state of emergency was declared in Engels district, and temporary flight restrictions were imposed at airports in Saratov and Samara. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified military and civilian tensions, with continued drone strikes targeting Russian military assets.
This event highlights the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations and the escalating risks to Russian strategic facilities. As tensions continue to rise, both military and civilian areas in Russia’s border regions are becoming increasingly vulnerable to similar attacks.
