Explosions heard near Engels airfield in Russia, local media report
Air defence systems were activated and explosions were heard near Engels airfield in the Saratov Oblast of Russia on the morning of 29 December.
Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza; Russian Telegram channels Baza and Mash; Nexta channel; Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti; Engels online channel; Roman Busargin, Saratov governor, on Telegram
Details: An air raid siren was reportedly sounded in Engels.
Russian channels in Telegram and VK published photos of anti-aircraft missile trails in the sky, and users reported that they heard explosions.
RIA Novosti, citing Saratov governor Roman Busargin, reported that in the Engels district, an anti-aircraft defence system destroyed an "unknown object". The authorities assure that there is no threat to the safety of local residents.
Quote from Busargin: "Information about the need to evacuate Engels is spreading again. Please stay calm. No evacuation from the city is necessary."
Why this is important: Strategic aircraft belonging to the Russian Federation are located at Engels airfield. This air base was attacked twice in December. According to Russian media, these were strikes by Ukrainian drones.
Background: On 29 December, authorities in Russia’s Belgorod and Bryansk Oblasts, which border Ukraine, reported that air defence systems were operating and drones were allegedly downed.
Background:
- On 5 December, a fuel tanker exploded at an airfield in the Russian city of Ryazan, killing at least three people. A drone also fell on bomber jets in Saratov Oblast.
- On 26 December, an air-raid siren was sounded over Engels airfield, in Russia’s Saratov Oblast, with explosions being reported. There were reports of casualties. Later, the Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that three people had been killed as a result of the fire that broke out.
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