Operational data from Information Resistance:
Russian-terrorist forces in Donbas continue actively firing at the positions of the ATO forces and at civilian objects, mostly using small arms, grenade launchers (including SPG-9s and AGS-17s), ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, and mortars (82 mm and 120 mm). Terrorists were also observed using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and on-board guns of BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers.
Firing by militants occurred mainly to the west and northwest of Donetsk, as well as on several stretches of the Artemivsk direction. In most cases, the main purpose was to provoke Ukrainian troops into returning fire with heavy weapons, [so as to be] recorded, including by the so-called “observer groups” of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM). Among the members of these “observer groups” are Russian citizens, some of whom are military intelligence personnel working under “diplomatic” cover.
During the past twenty-four hours, militant infantry groups on several sections of the demarcation line attempted to approach ATO forces’ advanced positions, opening fire in an attempt to force Ukrainian units into retreating.
Thus, terrorists in the vicinity of Shumy, Zaitseve, Druzhba and Hladosove, acting at several sections [of the front line] simultaneously, approached ATO forces’ advanced outposts, operating in several infantry groups. Terrorists opened fire from automatic weapons and heavy machine guns, as well as 82 mm mortars and on-board guns of BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles.
Near Avdiivka, and to its south (Opytne, positions opposite Donetsk International Airport (DAP) close to the Ring Road (Kiltseva doroha) and north-west of Pisky), there was intensive militant fire from small arms and heavy machine guns, including two uses of ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and 82 mm mortars. Two instances of firing from on-board weapons of BTR-80 armored vehicles were also recorded. On two occasions during the shooting, terrorist infantry groups tried approaching the ATO forces’ advanced positions.
Close to Krasnohorivka (towards Nevelske), as well near Mar’inka, militants fired on Ukrainian positions from AGS-17 grenade launchers and 82-mm mortars. Terrorists moved along the stretch between the two settlements in small groups.
Near Lozove (Svitlodarsk bridgehead), militants twice directed precision small arms fire at the advanced positions of the ATO forces. An enemy infantry group (a reinforced platoon of up to 40 personnel) moved into the ‘gray zone’ for this purpose.
A large militant unit (up to one reinforced company in strength – about 120-130 personnel) has been spotted at the front line south of Popasna (including in the vicinity of Troitske). This unit periodically divides into small groups and fires on Ukrainian troop positions, including with 82 mm mortars and stand-mounted automatic grenade launchers.
Approximately 120-130 militants have arrived in the vicinity of Spartak on board of motor vehicles, bringing mortars with them. At least seven mortar weapons were noted.
Two terrorist tanks previously recorded near the “Monolit” stadium [Kyivskyi District of Donetsk] were transferred from Donetsk northwards (to the area of Yasynuvata) under cover of night.
Militants have transferred a portion of the heavy armor previously observed at positions near Oleksandrivka, southwards towards Olenivka: in total, four BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles and two MT-LB light-armored multi-purpose transporters.
Terrorists have concentrated at least two under-strength battalions in a two-echelon configuration along the front-line section from Novotoshkivske to Trokhizbenka. In total, [these forces include] 340-360 militants, with an attendant artillery battalion (moved to the vicinity of Chervonohvardiiske).
Russian paratrooper units transferred earlier to Taganrog (Russian Federation, Rostov oblast) have been observed in the coastal regions. Included in the observed convoy were up to 10 armored combat vehicles (MT-LB light armored transporters, BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, at least two BTR-D armored personnel carriers), two MAZ fuel tankers, and four covered Kamaz trucks. The unit in question is being moved to the area south of Telmanove.
Uniformed militants with the insignia of the “SOBR” (Special Rapid Response Unit, a special forces section of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation) were observed at the “Donetsk People’s Republic [DNR]” checkpoint near Zaitseve. These militants make no attempt to conceal that they are law enforcers of the Russian Federation.
Militants of the “Luhansk People’s Republic [LNR]” are equipping firing positions and constructing fortifications on the stretch between Lotykove and Slovyanoserbskrailway station. Militants have also equipped a strongpoint near Chornukhyne (on the site of the former Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint).
“The best morning coffee: “Zaitseve” coffee house, by barista [callsign] Geologist.”
Photo and caption by Rodion Shovkoshytnyi
Source:http://maidantranslations.com
