Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
02.05.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Another conflict escalation is observed in the ATO zone. Russian-terrorist forces have increased the intensity of their fire attacks using small arms, anti-tank systems, 120 mm mortars, and armored vehicles.

During the past 24 hours, militants have “traditionally” fired at the ATO forces’ positions near Pisky, Opytne, the “Zenith” [position], the Butovska [mine], the southern and eastern suburbs of Avdiivka, northeast of Novoselivka, in the area of Mar’inka, and east of Novhorodske (where militants also used the on-board weapons of ACVs). The attacks were carried out mainly from heavy machine guns and grenade launchers (mostly AGS-17 and SPG-9). In addition, terrorists used  82- and 120 mm mortars (the latter were deployed north of Pisky and Opytne; several detonations of 120 mm mortar rounds were observed in the area of Novhorodske ). Snipers operated in the area of Mar’inka; sniper fire was delivered from a waste bank, as was fire from 82 mm mortars and grenade launchers (SPG-9).

Near Rozsadky and the Skeleva river, the enemy deployed stand-mounted grenade launchers. Moreover, two militant infantry groups, entrenched in the greenery in the neutral zone, fired from small arms, RPGs’, and underbarrel grenade launchers.

Zaitseve, Ukraine. The consequences of night attacks by Russian militants Feb. 2, 2016. Source: Screenshots from Ukraine Military TV video

In the area of Zaitseve – Zhovanka, militants carried out intense mortar fire (from 82- and 120 mm mortars). Terrorists used heavy fire in an attempt to “squeeze out” Ukrainian troops from their positions. Return fire was opened [by the Ukrainian troops], and a firefight ensued.

Zaitseve, Ukraine. The consequences of night attacks by Russian militants Feb. 2, 2016. Source: Screenshots from Ukraine Military TV video

In the area of Hnutove – Talakivka, militants fired from 82- and 120 mm mortars from the direction of Kominternove and Zaichenko; in two instances, the enemy deployed mobile ZU-23-2 units.

A rapid increase in the activity of armed gangs is observed in the gap between Pryshyb and Krasnyi Lyman and along the entire stretch between Tr’okhizbenka and Slovyanoserbsk. Militants are firing from grenade launchers, small arms, 120 mm mortars (three mortars fired on the ATO forces’ positions from across the Seversky Donets river).

In addition to the “DNR’s” “motorized infantry brigade” previously deployed near Horlivka, terrorists are gradually concentrating several reinforced companies and battalions in the same area. In particular, two such units are deployed east of Horlivka, in the direction of Panteleimonivka and Yasynuvata; another reinforced battalion is a de facto reserve unit, deployed in the area of Yenakijeve – Makiivka. This formation is reinforced by armored groups (including tanks) and artillery groups. Some of the personnel and equipment are advanced towards the area of Holmivskyi and Bairak station.

In the Petrovskiy district of Donetsk, the movement of terrorist forces and equipment is observed. During the past 24 hours, an armored group (four BMP-2s) and a mobile fire team (five 82 mortars on trucks) were spotted moving in the direction of the railroad, north of Vuhlehirsk Street. A militant howitzer battery (six 122 mm D-30 howitzers) is stationed in camouflaged positions in the greenery northwest of Shvedova Avenue; two tanks are identified in the same area.

Two of the militants’ BM-21 “Grad” MLRS covertly advanced between the settlements of Vesele and Zaichenko. In the same area, we are observing a reinforcement of terrorist formations on the right flank, in the general direction of Talakivka (up to six BMP-2 and MT-LB were transferred to the area of Zaichenko). East of Sakhanka, firing positions equipped for towed artillery were discovered (as of yet unoccupied).

Zaitseve, Ukraine. The consequences of night attacks by Russian militants Feb. 2, 2016. Source: Screenshots from Ukraine Military TV video

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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