Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue to actively shell the positions of Ukrainian troops from artillery, 120-mm mortars, and armored vehicles. A decrease in shellings has been observed during daytime and their increase was observed at nighttime. Enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups have become active in several directions.
During the past 24 hours, terrorists have become increasingly active in the entire western sector in the direction of Donetsk. The positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian objects have been shelled in the vicinity of Opytne, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Avdiivka, Starohnativka, Novomykhaylivka. Terrorists have mostly used 120-mm mortars and 122-mm artillery systems (the enemy actively uses 2S1 “Carnation” 122-mm self-propelled guns that can quickly change their firing positions; the enemy also uses artillery groups (batteries of 3-4 systems, rarely 5-6 systems). As a rule, the command of Russian-terrorist forces has focused the fire of several artillery groups at a particular sector – typically in the vicinity of Mar’inka, Opytne, and south of the Donetsk on the Starohnativka – Hranitne stretch. An insurgent sniper group was observed once again near Mar’inka. In addition, armed confrontations [between the ATO forces and] insurgent infantry groups have been recorded in the vicinity of Mar’inka; these groups have attempted to attack the ATO forces’ advanced positions.
The enemy carries out attacks mainly from infantry weapons in these directions – AGS-17 and large-caliber machine guns; mobile units with ZU-23-2 and 82-mm mortars are used often [as well]. The following tactic is employed: terrorists infiltrate the “neutral zone” using shrubbery in small groups of 10-15 people (as a rule, a group includes a “Kord” heavy-caliber machine gun, one or two unassembled AGS-17 or a 82 -mm mortar), occupy a firing position, and disguise themselves. After this, “an imitation group” opens brief fire from small arms on the positions of the ATO forces to provoke retaliatory fire and identify the positions of Ukrainian troops. Then, the first group opens fire from the “neutral zone” at the identified targets. To cover the retreat, insurgent groups use mobile 82-mm mortars and Zu-23-2.
In the coastal direction, near Shyrokyne and northwest of it (including areas in the vicinity of Pavlopil and Chermalyk), the enemy has actively used 120-mm mortarts and 122-mm artillery during the past 24 hours (the so-called “Novoazovsk” artillery group operated with six D-30 guns and eight ACS 2S1″ Carnation”). In the daytime, the ATO forces observed and opened fire at several enemy spotters in the “neutral zone.” The movement of insurgent armored vehicles along the position was observed (four tanks and up to 10 ACVs).
In the Artemivsk direction, the reinforcement of insurgent mortar groups with 122-mm artillery that had operated earlier was recorded. In particular, the arrival of an artillery division, two batteries in size (eight 122-mm weapons), was observed in the area near Novhorodske. Near Myronivske and Zolote, insurgents used tank groups (2-3 tanks in size) in the evening to fire at the positions of the ATO forces; their retreat was covered by 120-mm mortars.
In the vicinity of Krymske, Novotoshkivka, Shchastya, and Stanytsia Luhanska, insurgents have fired from small arms and AGS-17. Near Trokhizbenka, behind the river Seversky Donets, an armed confrontation between an ATO outpost and a sabotage and reconnaissance group of terrorists that attempted to infiltrate into the tactical rear of the Ukrainian troops was observed.
In the vicinity of Stanytsia Luhanska, ATO forces have neutralized a sniper group of Russian Spetsnaz (Russians have casualties) with successful counter-sniper actions.
The movement of an insurgent group (up to 50 people) with five ACVs (two BMP-1 and three BMP-2) has been observed from Khartsyzsk towards Ilovaisk.
The enemy continues to regroup artillery in the Kyivskyi district of Donetsk. Two to three weapons get transferred partly to the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk, and partly – in the southern direction. Predominantly, 122-mm D-30 howitzers get transferred, and a transfer of a four-weapon battery of 152-mm 2A65 “MSTA-B” howitzer has been recorded.
The transfer to Donetsk of a mixed group of eight tanks, eight ACS (six ACS 2S1 “Carnation” and two 2S3 “Acacia” self-propelled guns), and 25-26 ACVs has been recorded.
In Luhansk, terrorists continue to accumulate their armored vehicles (in the Kamenobrodskyi district, the area of the former antiaircraft missile battalion – about 25 tanks in varying degrees of readiness and 32-34 AFVs are accumulated). During the last 24 hours, four more tanks and two BTR-80s have arrived at this “base” from the south.
A mass “return” of insurgents (that used to fight in the “armies of the DNR and LNR”), disguised as peaceful civilians, has been observed in Artemivsk and Dzerzhynsk (a territory controlled by ATO forces). Local authorities and law enforcement pay no attention to the “return” of these insurgents.
Originally Posted by OUTLAW 09
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