A Ukrainian drone attack has dealt significant damage to Russia’s Engels Air Base, a key strategic location in Saratov region. Satellite imagery obtained by The War Zone confirms that the ammunition and weapons storage bunkers at the base were destroyed, resulting in massive secondary explosions.
The attack, which involved over 50 drones, targeted the munitions storage areas, causing severe damage to at least a dozen storage facilities and nearby buildings. A village located about a tenth of a mile east of the damaged area was also affected, with video showing the tremendous shockwave that damaged nearby structures.
At least three servicemen were injured in the attack, while five civilians were injured by the resulting fire. The authorities introduced a state of emergency at the municipal level and evacuated 120 people from the danger zone.
The base, which is home to Russia’s 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, operates Tu-95MS Bear-H bombers, Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, and other aircraft. Engels has been a frequent target for Ukraine, having been attacked three times in December 2022 alone.
This latest attack comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to a tentative agreement with Russia calling for a mutual pause on power infrastructure attacks. However, there is no timetable for implementation, and both sides continue to launch strikes against each other.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/russian-bomber-suffered-major-damage-191916457.html