Topic: World News
Posted 1 week ago
Ukraine's military claimed responsibility for a significant attack on the Engels-2 air base in Russia's Saratova region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that special forces detonated an ammunition store, resulting in fires and explosions that illuminated the night sky.
This air base, located approximately 450 miles from unoccupied Ukraine, plays a critical role for Russia's military, serving as a launch point for Tu-95 and Tu-160 bomber aircraft targeting Ukraine.
There is uncertainty about damage to any aircraft due to the attack. While Ukraine did not disclose the specific weapons used, local governor Roman Busargin indicated that Russian forces managed to down 54 drones during this incident, marking it as the largest attack in the vicinity since 2022.
In response to the attack, a state of emergency was declared, and civilians in close proximity to the base were evacuated. Satellite images and footage shared by Russian opposition media showed significant smoke and reported multiple explosions. The blasts resulted in damage to a kindergarten, a school, and a local hospital, with at least one reported injury.
This incident is part of an ongoing military exchange, as Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed to have intercepted 134 drones across six regions overnight. Furthermore, this was the third attack on the Engels-2 base this year, with Ukraine previously targeting oil storage facilities supplying fuel for Russian aircraft.
In response to ongoing threats, the air base has implemented measures such as covering aircraft with tires to deceive potential missile strikes. In light of the threats from Ukraine, Russia has also moved some bombers further east this year.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 200 drones and missiles against central Ukraine in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in at least 10 injuries in Kropyvnytskyi.
The conflict escalates as both sides continue military operations, with Ukraine claiming a significant attack on a key Russian installation, while also facing retaliatory actions. Both nations are navigating the complexities of ongoing hostilities, with civilian safety remaining a critical concern.