Operational data from Information Resistance:
In view of the intensification of militant fire strikes, the actions of Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas may be indicative of real (or simulated) preparations for an offensive on several stretches. Reconnaissance with the use of UAV’s, DRG’s and radioelectronic intelligence has noticeably increased; militant troops and equipment are being concentrated simultaneously in several areas and directions of operation in the ATO zone; and terrorist tactical groups concentrated near the front line are receiving ammunition supplies at an intense rate.
At the same time, rumors of an “imminent offensive” by Russian-terrorist forces are quickly spreading among “DNR” and “LNR” militants, as well as civilians, in a number of settlements near the demarcation line (Horlivka, Debaltseve, Donetsk, Dokuchajevsk, etc.). The rumors circulating among militants give “February 20th” as the date of the alleged offensive. However, the mass spreading of rumors (numerous “activists” simultaneously disseminating the same “message” in crowded places, e.g. shops, bus stops) and the fact that the same story is being spread across many towns, may indicate that this is a planned information campaign.
The IR group’s network in Donetsk has observed active movement of militant personnel, transport vehicles, and heavy armor through the Petrovskyi district. In Kreminets, east of Oleksandrivka, and in the greenery north of the Donetsk Bypass, we identified a total of about twenty tanks, ten BMP-1’s and BMP-2’s, up to ten MT-LB’s. Terrorist trucks carrying personnel periodically travel along Petrovskoho Street towards Mar’inka. Four BM-21 “Grad” MLRS systems were identified in the greenery beyond the “Kontinent” shopping center. In the northern part of Donetsk, between Svjetlova Street and Yasynuvatske Shosse [highway], a militant tank unit was spotted at camouflaged positions.
The Stakhanov group of Russian-terrorist troops continues regrouping; at the moment, it is actively reinforcing its right flank. Over the past twenty-four hours, another motorized infantry company transferred from Alchevsk towards Mikhaylovka. It included six MT-LB’s, two BTR-80’s, four BMP-1’s, plus up to ten trucks with ammunition and personnel (the company is bound for Slovyanoserbsk).
The “geography” of Russian-terrorists’ fire strikes and armed provocations remained practically unchanged over the past 24 hours.
Two ATO forces’ strongholds near Opytne were subjected to massive shelling by automatic 82 mm 2B9 “Vasilek” mortars (from several firing points near the DAP and the western outskirts of Spartak), while two 120 mm mortars also fired from the Yasynuvata junction from time to time.
Near Mar’inka, continuous shelling from 82 mm and 120 mm mortars came from the direction of the Trudovski neighborhood. On the stretch between the “Crocodile” [slag heap position] and the horse-riding club, a militant group (up to one platoon in strength) directed small arms fire at Ukrainian troop positions from the greenery. A skirmish also occurred on the northeastern outskirts of Mar’inka. A tank and two BMP’s were spotted in the ravine to the south (they maneuvered, but did not open fire).
An example of the trench systems Ukrainian soldiers dug, constructed, and live in.
Photo credit: Bryce Wilson, from the series Frozen Lives, Not So Frozen Frontlines
In the vicinity of Krasnohorivka, militants used armored vehicles – two BMP-2’s moved out from a position south of Staromykhailivka and maneuvered actively (one of them fired, the other provided cover). The BMP’s then returned towards Staromykhailivka(the dacha [summer cottages] district). A militant group with a ZU-23-2 operated in the same area.
Near Mayorsk, militants used artillery against the ATO forces’ stronghold south of the settlement, as well as one in front of it – terrorists fired from two 122 mm “Gvozdika” 2S1 self-propelled guns from positions close to the Michurina area. Using mortars of both calibers, militants fired on Zaitseve and Zhovanka. An enemy tank in the area also opened fire (taking position northeast of the “Terykonna” station, shooting 5-6 aimed high-explosive rounds, then changing position).
A militant group opened small arms fire on the ATO forces’ stronghold southwest of Trokhizbenka from the direction of Pryshyb; RPG rounds were also noted. After the fire strike, the group retreated towards Krasnyi Lyman.
North of Kominternove, a militant BMP-2 opened fire from a 30-mm automatic cannon. Terrorists also opened fire with 82-mm mortars on the ATO forces’ positions east of Talakivka.
Source: http://maidantranslations.com
