Explosions reported in Saratov, oil refinery likely attacked
During the night of 19 January, Russia’s Saratov Region came under a large-scale drone attack, according to local residents.
As a result of a series of powerful explosions—more than ten in total—panic spread on social media. The first sounds of air defence systems operating were heard at around 03:10 local time, including in the neighbouring city of Engels, where a strategic aviation airbase is located.
The governor of Saratov Region had warned of the threat of possible drone attacks, urging people to remain calm and stay in shelters. Due to the danger, the “Carpet” emergency plan was introduced at the airports of Saratov and Penza, leading to the temporary suspension of flights, which were redirected to alternate airfields.
Ukraine is increasingly successfully carrying out air strikes against targets on Russian territory, and given the gradual degradation of Russia’s air defence systems, the scale of the damage inflicted is expected to continue to grow.
On New Year’s night in Russia, drones attacked an oil storage facility and an oil refinery, causing fires.
