Explosions Rock Saratov And Engels Amid Drone Attack

On the night of March 28, 2025, the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels experienced a series of explosions amid reports of a drone attack targeting strategic military sites. According to local Russian Telegram channels, over 30 explosions were recorded in these areas, with the sound of blasts echoing through the night sky.

Governor Roman Busargin of the Saratov region confirmed via his Telegram account that the Ministry of Defense had issued warnings regarding a "threat of drones." Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions, which were attributed to air defense systems responding to the incoming threats.

As the night unfolded, the situation escalated with reports of drone activity aimed at the Engels-2 airfield, a significant military facility known for launching strategic bombers. The Telegram channel Astra noted that the explosions began around 4:00 AM local time, with initial reports suggesting that drones were flying towards a nearby oil refinery.

In a bid to ensure public safety, Rosaviatsiya, the Russian aviation authority, announced the suspension of operations at Saratov airport, a precautionary measure typically taken during drone attacks or threats. This decision underscored the seriousness of the situation as authorities scrambled to assess the extent of the threat.

Ukrainian media outlets, utilizing geolocation data, reported that one of the drone strikes resulted in an "arrival" at the Scientific Research Institute of Chemical Sources in Saratov. The ASTRA publication further geolocated a video showing the destruction of one of the drones above Saratov, indicating that the local oil refinery might have been a primary target.

Despite the intensity of the situation, Governor Busargin stated that preliminary information suggested there were no casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. This news provided a glimmer of relief amid the chaos, as residents remained on edge following the explosions.

The Saratov region has become increasingly vulnerable to drone strikes, primarily due to the strategic military airfield located near Engels. This vulnerability was highlighted in a previous attack on March 20, 2025, when a similar drone strike resulted in significant damage and loss of military assets.

During that earlier incident, Ukrainian defense forces reportedly struck the Engels-2 airfield, leading to a fire and the detonation of stored ammunition. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces later reported that the Russians lost 96 air-based cruise missiles as a result of that attack, which were intended for three missile strikes planned for March and April.

In the wake of the March 28 attacks, authorities in the Voronezh region also reported downing approximately 30 drones, with Governor Alexander Gusev confirming that there were no casualties in his region. The Ministry of Defense of Russia claimed that a total of 78 Ukrainian drones were intercepted during the night, with 32 shot down over Voronezh, 19 over Saratov, and 17 over Kursk. Additional interceptions occurred in Belgorod, Lipetsk, Rostov, and Tambov regions.

The ongoing drone warfare reflects the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides employing advanced aerial tactics to gain the upper hand. As the conflict continues to evolve, the implications of these attacks on civilian safety and military operations remain a pressing concern for both governments and their citizens.

In summary, the events of March 28 highlight the precarious situation in the Saratov region, where the threat of drone attacks looms large. As military operations intensify, the potential for further confrontations raises questions about the future of regional security and the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.