Ukrainian drones attack three Russian air bases, damage supersonic bomber
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) conducted an operation in Russia in the early morning hours of July 27, attacking three military airfields, hitting an oil refinery and damaging a supersonic bomber.
Sources in Ukrainian intelligence told Ukrinform that drones had attacked the military airfield in Engels, Saratov region, the Dyagilevo military airfield in the Ryazan region, and the Olenya military airfield in the Murmansk region.
An oil refinery in Ryazan was also targeted in the kamikaze drone attack.
According to eyewitnesses, the first explosions were recorded at the Dyagilevo air base at around 06:00 local time.
Social media channels reported hearing at least three explosions. Local users published a video of drones flying in the direction of the airfield and a picture showing a plume of black smoke rising above the air base.
The air base is home to the 43rd Guards Center of Combat Application and Air Crew Training. It houses Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Tu-134UBL and Il-78 aircraft and an aircraft repair plant.
The explosions at the Engels Air Base, which houses Russian strategic bombers, rang out at around 08:00.
Local social media channels reported that Russia's air defense forces unsuccessfully tried to shoot down UAVs but then explosions were heard.
According to preliminary reports, a UAV strike on the Olenya airfield damaged a Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic bomber.
The airfield is located about 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Russia's Defense Ministry stated that at least 12 kamikaze drones had been shot down in the Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, Bryansk and Lipetsk regions.
The results of drone strikes on other Russian military facilities are currently being clarified, Ukrainian intelligence said.