Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
02.02.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

After a period of accumulating forces and equipment in the “Horlivka Garrison” (as regularly reported by the IR group), Russian-terrorist forces stepped up their active efforts in the Horlivka – Artemivsk direction of operations. Namely, there has been a sharp increase in shellings of the ATO forces’ positions near Zaitseve and Mayorsk, including with the use of armaments that should remain withdrawn from the demarcation line according to the Minsk Agreements (tanks and 120 mm mortars).

In the vicinity of Zaitseve and the Zhovanka river, terrorists deployed the previously-spotted battery of four 82 mm mortars and two mortar units transferred here earlier (six 120 mm mortars). Terrorists opened fire from the area of Poselok 6-7 on the ATO forces’ south of Mayorsk, multiple times, using mortars and AGS-17’s. A terrorist tank unit (3 tanks) was spotted in the area of Holmivskyi.

The situation in and around Donetsk remains “traditionally” tense. During the past 24 hours, militants fired on the ATO forces’ positions north and south of Krasnohorivka, from the direction of Zhylmaidanchyk [Zhylploshchadka] and Staromykhailivka (in addition to small arms and grenade, 120 mm mortars were used). On the stretch from Pisky to Avdiivka (Opytne, Butovska [Mine], the “Zenith” [position], the outskirts of old Avdiivka), terrorists’ fire was practically continuous. Terrorists mainly used small arms and grenade launchers; SPG-9’s were deployed near Pisky.

In the vicinity of Mar’inka, militants are firing continuously from the so-called “Crocodile” position [a natural elevation], using grenade launchers and machine guns; several shots from SPG-9’s were also recorded. Near Starohnativka, a militant mortar unit (three 82 mm automatic grenade launchers) shelled the ATO forces’ advanced observation point and stronghold flank.

The enemy advanced a new unit into the gap between the DAP and Pisky, towards Vesele. The unit consists of 50-60 personnel with four BMP-1’s and BMP-2’s. A battery of 82 mm mortars has been withdrawn from the area of the DAP further into Donetsk (possibly, as part of forces rotation).

South of Luhanske and east of Troitske, terrorists are using small arms, and, in several instances, AGS-17’s. Detonations of 120 mm mortar projectiles were recorded near Stanytsia Luhanska (up to 10 projectiles, overshooting the target) and fired from across the Seversky Donets river.

In the coastal regions, militants deployed ZU-23-2’s from the direction of Sakhanka and its eastern outskirts. The use of 82 mm mortars was also recorded.

On the stretch from Novhorodske to Novoselivka, militant ZU-23-2’s operated from several firing points simultaneously; militants also used two BMP-2’s (30 mm automatic on-board guns). Fire was directed at several ATO strongholds and observation points at the same time. Heavy machine guns were also actively used.

Between Styla and Dokuchajevsk, the enemy is regrouping their forces. Specifically, artillery – four batteries of “Rapira” MT-12 anti-tank guns – were transferred towards Dokuchajevsk under cover of dark. Two MT-LB’s were also transferred. At the same time, a militant infantry unit (up to 50 personnel) was moved from the area of Dokuchajevsk in the direction of Styla.

Photo: social media

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

Glossary:
ACV – armored combat vehicle
AGS-17 – automatic grenade launcher
ATO – Anti-Terrorist Operation
BMP – infantry fighting vehicle
BTG – battalion tactical group
BTR, APC – armored personnel carrier
BRDM – armored reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle
BRM – armored reconnaissance vehicle
DAP – Donetsk International Airport
DNR – “Donetsk People’s Republic”
DRG – sabotage and reconnaissance group
KSM – command and staff vehicle
LNR – “Luhansk People’s Republic”
MT-LB – light multipurpose tracked vehicle
MLRS – multiple-launch rocket systems
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
ZU-23-2 – anti-aircraft artillery system

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