Fuel Depot for Russian Tu-95 and Tu-160 Bombers Ignites After Drone Strike in Engels

A drone attack targeted a fuel storage facility in Engels, Saratov region, causing a massive fire at the Kristall reserve fuel depot, which supplied aviation fuel for Russia’s Engels-2 strategic airbase, according to Russian media Astra on January 8.

The first explosions were heard around 3 am local time, followed by a large blaze at the fuel base, part of Rosrezerv—a federal entity responsible for maintaining fuel reserves.

According to open-source information, the facility is approximately 8 kilometers from Engels-2 airbase, home to Russian strategic bombers, including Tu-95 and Tu-160 aircraft extensively used by Russians to launch cruise missiles to Ukraine.

The General Staff confirmed the strike. They said that the Kristall Oil Storage Facility was hit.

“Numerous explosions were recorded in the area of the target, and a large-scale fire broke out. Local authorities confirm that the 'industrial facility' was hit,” the statement said.

Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the fire, attributing it to falling debris from a downed drone. “Saratov and Engels faced a massive drone attack last night. One industrial facility sustained damage, but no injuries have been reported,” he wrote on Telegram.

The Kristall depot houses 46 storage tanks for petroleum products, including aviation fuel crucial for Russia’s long-range bomber operations.

Russian Ministry of Defense later claimed that it had intercepted 11 drones in the Saratov region.

Engels-2 airbase is home to the 22nd Heavy Bomber Division, which includes the 121st Bomber Regiment, which operates Tu-160 aircraft, and the 184th Regiment, which has Tu-95 bombers.

Earlier, drones targeted Russia’s largest commercial seaport, Ust-Luga, in the Leningrad region.