Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
01.25.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continue shelling the ATO forces’ positions, using, among others, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, as well 100 mm caliber anti-tank weapons; 122 mm artillery, MLRS, and militant tanks are present in several sections at the front line.

The enemy is conducting active land-based, radiotechnical, and air reconnaissance of the ATO forces’ combat formations, both on the tactical and operational-tactical scale.

Terrorist DRGs are active (their main task being to lay minefields), creating the foundations for future sabotage in the tactical and operational-tactical rear of the Ukrainian troops. Multiple “caches” and “warehouses” are being created, holding weapons, ammunition, and explosives for use by the DRGs (both “visiting” and “locally formed” groups).

During the past weekend (01/23-01/24/2016), militants actively shelled the ATO forces’ advanced strongholds and observation points near Donetsk: in the vicinity of Pisky, Opytne, south and west of Avdiivka, and near Novhorodske and Novoselivka. Near Opytne, a terrorist group up to one platoon in strength attempted to approach an ATO stronghold from the direction of the DAP’s ruined approach radiolocation station and to shell it from close range (the group was discovered by Ukrainian troops’ battlefield security, and, following a short firefight, retreated under covering fire from AGS-17 and ZU-23-2). Militants in this area also opened fire on the ATO forces’ advanced positions using 82 mm mortars and SPG-9’s from the direction of Spartak, DAP, and the high grounds east of the Yasynuvata junction. Near Pisky, an enemy BTR-80 used its on-board weaponry to provide cover to several small terrorist firing groups which attempted to shell [ATO forces] from RPG’s and underbarrel grenade launchers, operating near Naberezhna Street, Chystyakov Street, and at the joining of Chervonoarmiiske Highway into Myra Street (Donetsk). AGS-17 fire was also noted in the northern part of the town [of Pisky], from beyond the minefield on the Zhobunky side.

On multiple occasions, militants opened fire from stand-mounted grenade launchers (in addition to fire from automatic small arms) near Novhorodske (from the direction of Shyroka Balka) and Novoselivka (from the direction of Stavky and Batmanivka). Small arms fire was recorded south of Mayorsk, where militants also deployed ZU-23-2’s in several instances.

In the northern part of Zaitseve, militants actively fired westwards towards the Zhovanka river, using 82 mm mortars, AGS-17’s, and, in two instances, ZU-23-2’s. In this section, the enemy made another attempt to pass between Zaitseve and the Zhovanka, and reach the flank of the ATO forces’ stronghold. A small militant infantry group attempted this, and was stopped by precision machine gun fire and sniper fire, and forced to retreat to their original positions.

During the weekend, terrorists also opened fire from 120 mm mortars near Starohnativka, from positions west of Krasnyi Oktyabr and Pervomaiske, and in the bend of the Kalmius river (previously, IR group reported on the transfer of mortar units to this area).

Four tanks were spotted in Donetsk, in the greenery beyond Korabelna Street.

Russian-terrorist troop formations in the Luhansk direction of operations are continuing to receive reinforcements. South of Vesela Hora, we spotted the deployed positions of a motorized infantry company with armored vehicles (6-8 armored vehicles, BMP-2 and BMP-1). In total, militants deployed forces equal to at least one reinforced battalion between Kruta Hora and Vesela Hora, with artillery positions beyond Raivka, equipped with at least eight 122 mm “Gvozdika” 2S1 self-propelled guns (even though artillery must remain withdrawn south of Luhansk, according to the Minsk agreements).

The terrorist group in the vicinity of the Bakhmut motorway opposite from Kirovsk, is being reinforced with an armored group transferred from the direction of Irmino (four MT-LB’s [including one lengthened model], two BRM-1K, one BMP-2, two BTR-80’s), and three trucks with personnel.

South of Donetsk, between Mar’inka and Dokuchajevsk, militant combat formations are being tightened. Additional forces and equipment are being transferred here, including tanks (used to reinforce the enemy’s strongholds in this area).

The enemy is regrouping forces deployed near Mospyne. After the motorized infantry company previously concentrated here (nine BMP-1’s and BMP-2’s, several MT-LB’s, and BRM-1K) was transferred towards Horlivka, the amount of tanks in this area has also dropped dramatically. Only about 6 tanks are remaining, from the terrorist tank battalion (24 tanks) previously concentrated in this area. As of this time, we have been unable to ascertain the direction of redeployment of the rest of the tanks.

Ukrainian pilot and MP Nadiya Savchenko, pictured here in the ATO in 2014, and before her capture by Russian-proxy “separatists” near Metalist, Ukraine on June 17th of that year. Today, January 26th, 2016 marks the 40th day of her second hunger strike protest in Russian detention while her court trial continues.

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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