Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
01.27.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

We are observing higher levels of Russian-terrorist troop activity in Donbas. Over the past 24 hours, in addition to using small arms, grenade launchers, ZU-23-2’s, and 82 mm mortars to shell the ATO forces’ positions, militants also deployed 120 mm mortars and tanks.

The “traditionally” tense situation was observed near Donetsk. Terrorists shelled the ATO forces’ positions in the vicinity of Pisky (heavy machine guns, AGS-17’s), while a militant tank was operating from the direction of the Vtoraya Ploshchadka estate (six shots with HE projectiles). The tank’s retreat followed the “Luhansk pattern” – beneath the covering fire of 82 mm mortars from the direction of Zhobunky.

Militants methodically fired on Opytne and towards the Butovska Mine during the past 24 hours, using two ZU-23-2’s, one SPG-9 and at least three AGS-17’s from the direction of the DAP and Spartak.

From the direction of Shyroka Balka, and from the direction of the Zalizna Balka river, militants opened fire several times, firing on Ukrainian troops’ advanced observation points from machine guns, automatic weapons, 82 mm mortars, and SPG-9’s. Several detonations of 120 mm mortar projectiles were recorded past the flank of the ATO forces’ stronghold in this area.

Near Mar’inka, militants fired from the waste bank in Petrovskoho Street (Donetsk), using ZU-23-2, AGS-17, and SPG-9 (six rounds). A militant infantry group with RPG’s was spotted in the vegetation south of the Konniy Klub [horse riding club].

From the southern outskirts of Zaitseve, militants shelled Zaitseve and Zhovanka with machine guns and 82 mm mortars. A militant infantry group followed the western outskirts of the town, trying to cross the neutral zone and enter the flank [of the ATO forces], but was spotted and retreated after the ATO forces opened fire.

Near Sanzharivka, terrorists fired from the 307.9 m high ground (a militant platoon stronghold) and from positions further west, using at least two AGS-17’s; heavy machine guns were also fired from at least two firing points. The fire was directed towards Rozsadky and two ATO forces’ strongholds northeast of the latter town.

In the vicinity of Hranitne and Starohnativka, terrorists fired from small arms and 82 mm mortars; the detonation of 120 mm mortar projectiles was also recorded between Starohnativka and Novohryhorivka.

Unsighted militant fire came in the direction of checkpoint #29 and Trokhizbenka, east of Ukrainian troops’ advanced positions near Talakivka.

In Donetsk (Petrovskyi district), several ACVs and a battery of six “Gvozdika” 2S1 122 mm self-propelled guns were spotted near Zhurnalistiv Avenue (a little over 10 km from the front line). Artillery ammunition is being transferred to the same area. Near Municipal Hospital N21, militant tanks and artillery have been spotted in forested areas, concentrated in groups of 1-2 pieces, for a total of six D-30 and D-30A 122 mm howitzers, and 5-6 tanks. Terrorist artillery and tanks are also recorded in the private residences area near the DAP.

The enemy is transferring forces through Irmino towards Pervomaisk, to reinforce the units deployed in the area of Kalynove. The equipment transferred during the past 24 hours includes four BMP-2’s, one BRM-1K, three BTR-70’s, one BTR-80, one MT-LB, six Ural and Kamaz trucks with personnel, and two GAZ-66 with 120 mm mortars on trailers.

Tank units of the 5th motorized infantry brigade of the “DNR Ministry of Defense” took part in training exercises at the tank training ground that is part of the militant “Torez training center.” The main objectives of the training were live firing exercises for tank units, improving unit coordination, and practice for the “DNR troops'” command bodies during an offensive.

The “DNR” leadership intends to eliminate the “DNR republican center for scientific research and experimental design.” This “center” is servicing 16 defense-industrial facilities located in occupied parts of Donbas. The “DNR Ministry of Revenues and Duties” warned the “center’s” staff that no funds would be allocated to repay the staff’s arrears in wages. At this time, the wages are 4 months in arrears.

Following the “DNR” (see IR’s summary yesterday ), a possible change of leadership is being also discussed in the “LNR’s political circles.” Specifically, information circulates about the possible resignation of “LNR” chief Igor Plotnitsky. Allegedly, this issue will be addressed soon, during the upcoming visit of Vladislav Surkov, representative of the President of the RF, to Luhansk.

At AFU “Zenith” position in Pisky, Ukraine – January 27, 2016. Photo: screenshot from Military Reporters TV video footage.

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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