The air force airport in Russia was attacked by a drone, killing three Russian soldiers. Russia claims that the drone attack was carried out by Ukraine. On the 26th (local time), according to Reuters, Sputnik Communications and other reports, the Russian Ministry of Defense shot down an attack drone approaching the Engels Air Force Base in Saratov Oblast, southern Russia, at low altitude at around 1:35 a.m. Moscow time, and an air raid siren sounded near the base.
Saratov Region Governor Roman Busarkin said via telegram: "Two explosions occurred at the air force airport." He also said: "There were no emergencies in residential areas in the city, and civilian infrastructure was not damaged." The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed: "The air force equipment in the base is intact."
However, according to the local BAZA TV station in Russia, the explosion that occurred in Engels that day caused a fire in an area of 120 square meters. In addition, informal social media in Russia and Ukraine said that multiple aircraft stationed at the air base were destroyed.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the wreckage of an intercepted Ukrainian drone fell and three Russian soldiers died. In addition, three employees in charge of technology at the airport were fatally injured by the drone debris. The Ukrainian media " Pravda " reported: "Three people died and four injured were sent to the hospital."
Engels Air Force Base is located deep in Russia, 500 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. This is the base of the Russian 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, which uses TU-95 and TU-160 strategic bombers. Ukraine believes that this is a preparation site for air strikes on its energy infrastructure.
This is the second drone attack on the base this month. It was also attacked by the Ukrainian drone "streisch" on the 5th. At that time, a large-scale explosion occurred at the Engels base, injuring two people.
Reuters reported: "Russia's two defensive drone air strikes ended in failure and suffered a huge blow." Although Ukraine did not officially admit the fact of attacking Russia's domestic air base, it claimed: "This kind of accident is retribution (karma) for Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
