Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
03.11.2016
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 actively shelling the ATO forces’ positions and civilian targets, using small arms, grenade launchers of various types, as well as 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, 122 mm artillery, and armored vehicles, including tanks. Shelling is carried out on several sections of the demarcation line. At the same time, militants are observing and reconnoitering the combat positions of Ukrainian troops along almost the entire length of the contact line.

Militants have been the most active in the broad stretch between Pisky and the northern outskirts of Horlivka (especially near Avdiivka). Namely, in the vicinity of Avdiivka, terrorists deployed heavy armor – a pair of tanks left the forrested area near the 272.2 m high ground and opened fire in the direction of Ukrainian troop positions west of the Yasynuvata junction (up to 10 HE projectiles). Later, two “Gvozdika” 2S1 122 mm self-propelled guns fired on the ATO forces’ positions west of the “Gospodar” Market (eastern part of old Avdiivka). At the same time, heavy 120 mm mortar shellings by militants were recorded.

Militants attacked residential sector in Avdiivka (Donetsk region) morning of March 10, 2016

On the stretch between Pisky and Butovka [Mine], including Opytne, terrorists are carrying out heavy fire from mortars and stand-mounted grenade launchers, providing cover for their small (up to one platoon) infantry groups operating near Avdiivka and the DAP.

Southeast of this area, a terrorist group on board of armored vehicles (two BMP-2’s and one BTR-80) fired on the ATO forces’ observation points and strongholds southeast and east of Novhorodske. After firing, the armored group retreated in the direction of the Lenina Mine and Zalizna Balka. Near Rozsadky, militants fired from the on-board weapons of BMP-2 (at least one armored vehicle was identified here).

Regrouping of Russian-terrorist troop units continues east of Horlivka. A unit on board of BMP-1’s and BMP-2’s (up to 10 armored vehicles) was spotted on the march near Bairak, headed towards the northern direction of operations. This unit has been transferred to resupply the left flank units of the militant “7th separate motorized rifle brigade” that holds defensive positions in this area.

A “joint DNR-LNR brigade” is being created in the vicinity of Yenakijeve, headed by Russian officers serving in “LNR” armed gangs. The total planned headcount of the brigade is some 2,500 personnel. Militant selection is being coordinated by the terrorist with the call-sign “Sanych.”

The “DNR Ministry of Defense” is taking urgent measures to reinforce the gangs comprising the “1st DNR Army Corps.” At this time, its units are, on average, 30-35% understaffed (some, up to 60%). The “DNR MoD” has decided to address the “supervisors” in Moscow with a request for urgent additional financial aid for the DNR, in order to increase militants’ pay, in the hope of creating additional motivation for local residents to join the “military service” as “contract soldiers.”

Stuff left by the “local rebels” in Shyrokyne, Ukraine: Russian-made specialist silent ammo 4 Spetsnaz (SOF) Source: @AlexPanchenko2

A unit of the Russian Armed Forces, up to one company in strength, arrived in Debaltseve for subsequent return to Russia. The moral and psychological state of this unit’s personnel is strongly negative. Up to 10 coffins with destroyed Russian military servicemen from this unit will be returning to the Russian Federation with the personnel.

Twenty T-72 tanks, seven “Grad” BM-21 MLRS, and several 122 mm howitzers have been unloaded at Matveev Kurgan railway station in the Rostov Oblast of Russia (close to the state border of Ukraine).

The “LNR” military leadership issued an order on “preventing damage and disabling of military equipment and armaments during combat training exercises.” The order mentions large-scale cases of damage to military equipment done by militants during “training.” Due to lack of [military] equipment in many “LNR” units, “requisitioned” civilian transport is used to transport personnel, practically as a norm. The order instructs unit commanders to sharply increase disciplinary penalties for negligent handling of equipment and armaments.

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
TZM, TLV – transporter-loading vehicle
SPG-9 – stand-mounted grenade launcher
ZU-23-2 – anti-aircraft artillery system

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