Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
07.31.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas are increasing the intensity and density of their shelling, and expanding the numbers of armored vehicles and artillery on the front line. Militants are using 120 mm mortars, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery, and armored vehicles on practically all sections of the demarcation line.

Activity was noted of a battalion-strength tactical group (BTG) of Russian terrorist troops concentrated in the area of Telmanove – Novolaspa – Krasnopillya (the IR group reported earlier on this BTG group’s transfer and deployment). Over the past twenty-four hours, the forces of this BTG have shelled the advanced positions and strongholds of the ATO forces in the vicinity of Starohnativka and Hranitne, as well as to the south-east of Bila Kamyanka. In this area, the repositioning of several militant armored groups was also observed (an armored group of three tanks and two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles east of Novolaspa; a group of armored fighting vehicles north-east of the Starolapsa – Sontseve line).

Over the past twenty-four hours, terrorists shelled the advanced positions of the ATO forces in the vicinity of Mykolaivka using on-board 125 mm tank guns, while an armored group (two tanks and a 120 mm mortar battery) provided cover fire.

In the area of Shumy, Dachne and Zaitseve, yet another militant armored group (two tanks and two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles) opened fire several times from 125 mm tank guns and IFV-mounted 30 mm automatic weapons. The armored group operated under cover fire from AGS-17 grenade launchers and 82 mm mortars.

Another enemy armored group (two tanks and up to three BTR-80 armored personnel carriers) operated in the area between Pisky, Donetsk Airport, and Opytne. Over the past 24 hours, this armored group repeatedly opened fire from camouflaged firing positions prepared beforehand.

After months of heavy fighting, the roof of this elementary school is littered with empty grenade casings. Photo: Noah Brooks

During the past 24 hours, the enemy frequently opened fire from 120 mm mortars and 122 mm artillery along almost the entire length of the line between Mar’inka and the northern outskirts of Avdiivka. New terrorist artillery groups have been observed transferring to this area, which, correspondingly, resulted in an increased density of artillery fire. During daylight hours, the enemy in this sector actively used small arms and 82 mm mortars. On several instances, militants in the vicinity of Adviivka used AGS-17 [grenade launchers] for random fire.

Terrorists continue firing small arms on a “permanent” [continuous] basis in the area north of Myronivske, as well as near the settlements of Novozvanivka, Popasna, Novotoshkivske, Krymske, Vesela Hora – Schastya, and Stanytsia Luhanska. More activity is noted by small militant infantry groups, as well as sabotage and intelligence units, operating under the cover of greenery (especially active along the Severskyi Donets river).

In the coastal areas, militants frequently opened fire with small arms near Shyrokyne, east of Pyshchevyk and north of Chermalyk. In this region, militants were reported using 82 mm mortars.

A soldier takes a smoke break after a firefight in Shyrokyne. Photo: Noah Brooks

Militants completed the regrouping of their formations on the stretch from the Kyivskyi district of Donetsk to Mayorske. Russian-terrorist troops have formed four “defense sectors.” The enemy formations concentrated in these locales have a centralized command system.

Reinforcements have arrived in the vicinity of Dovhe and Raivka (one “motorized rifle company” of Russian mercenaries per area, each with eight to ten BTR-80, BTR-80A and -82A armored personnel carriers, plus several MT-LB trucks; both companies consist of around 180 personnel, mostly of non-Slavic appearance). They have been constructing aircraft shelters, as well as shelters for equipment and personnel, organizing battlefield security, and look-out posts.

Frequent deliveries of fuel (at least 10 tanker trucks in the past 24 hours) and logistics supplies for Russian-terrorist troops concentrated north of the village of Bezimenne (coastal region) were recorded.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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