Ukraine has launched a massive drone attack on a strategic Russian bomber airbase, setting it ablaze on Thursday (March 20). The targeted airbase is located 700 kilometers from the front lines. Officials from both Russia and Ukraine have confirmed the attack.
A video circulating on social media shows a massive explosion spreading around the airbase, destroying nearby cottages. Earlier, a Russian Defense Ministry official claimed that they had destroyed 132 Ukrainian drones.
The targeted airbase, located in Engels, houses Russia’s nuclear-capable heavy bombers, specifically the Tu-160 aircraft. Saratov Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the drone attack, stating that the airbase caught fire and nearby residents were evacuated. Though he did not explicitly mention Engels, it is the largest airbase in the region.
Ukrainian defense officials stated that they targeted the airbase, which led to explosions in its ammunition depot. Ukraine claims that Moscow has used this airbase to launch attacks on its territory.
This is not the first attack on Engels airbase. In December 2022, Ukraine carried out an assault on the same site. Additionally, in January, they attacked an oil depot supplying fuel to the base. That strike caused a massive fire that took firefighters five days to control.
A source from Ukraine’s security forces revealed that their drones targeted a warehouse storing guided bombs and missiles at the airbase.