Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
03.14.2016
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

(See end of post for acronym glossary)

Operational data from Information Resistance:

During the past weekend (03.12-03.13.2016), Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas shelled the ATO forces’ positions using small arms, grenade launchers, mortars (82/120 mm), as well as 122 mm artillery (in at least 3 instances) and tanks (twice).

Terrorist shellings were observed along the entire western and northwestern section of the stretch between Donetsk (Mar’inka) and Horlivka (Mayorsk – Zaitseve).

The most tense situation is observed in the section near the Yasynuvata junction (the so-called “industrial zone”) as well as sections adjacent to it from the north and the southeast. In this area, militants are actively using heavy machine guns, stand-mounted grenade launchers, and 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. The enemy fire comes from positions near the 251.2 m and 272.m m high grounds, the undergrowth near Yasynuvata rail station, positions near the [water treatment] filtering station, and the “Tornado” gas station. During the past 24 hours, terrorist forces in this area were considerably reinforced and supplied with various armaments. The ATO forces’ positions twice came under fire from 122 mm cannon artillery, fired from the direction of Mineralne and the Verkhnjekalmiuske [Upper Kalmius] reservoir. Three terrorist tanks were also operating from positions south of the “Parallel” gas station (from a forested area) and from the direction of a militant checkpoint near Yasynuvata rail station. At the same time, two militant tanks maneuvered between the 251.2 m high ground and the “Gospodar” market [old Avdiivka], making brief stops to fire (following the pattern: 2-3 shots, movement, up to 4 shots, more movement).

From the direction of Dachnyy passway and the northern outskirts of Spartak, militants are occasionally firing at Ukrainian troop positions at Butovka [Mine] and Zenith, using the guns aboard ACV’s (BMP-2) as well as mortars of both calibers.

Militant activity has notably increased in the vicinity of Novotoshkivske, where the ATO forces’ positions are being shelled from 120 mm mortars. Terrorist infantry groups and DRG’s also stepped up their activity in proximity to the ATO forces’ observation points and strongholds in the area of the 175.9 m high ground and Trokhizbenka, operating from the direction of Krasniy Lyman and Smile [Smileh], respectively.

A unit of Russian Spetsnaz arrived in the vicinity of Dokuchajevsk from the direction of Styla, transferred aboard 4 Kamaz trucks and two “Tiger” GAZ-2330 armored vehicles.

During the past few days, militants have been actively delivering ammunition (for small arms, mortars, and cannon artillery) to the area of Michurine, Telmanove district. Up to 10 vehicle loads arrived over the past weekend. Ammunition is being stacked in a hangar on the western outskirts of the village.

Nine new “Grad” BM-21 MLRS were identified at the premises of the Horlivka “Remmash” Works (2 Vavylova Street, Horlivka).

Some units of the “DNR 1st Army Corps” are starting to suffer from lack of ammunition for certain weapons. This is due to the fact that Russia is only partially fulfilling militants’ “requests” [for ammunition]. Namely, during the past two weeks, “DNR” units received only 50% of the requested amount of 120 mm mortar rounds, and some 30% of requested ammunition for ZU-23-2 from Russia.

Militants are using the grounds and equipment of “Tochmash” OJSC [precise machinery works] (1 Zhmury Street, Donetsk) to repair combat equipment (IFV’s, APC’s, etc.). A new welding line was delivered to this facility from Russia in early March, to be used for armored vehicle repair.

Reformation efforts continue in respect of the “Vostok” gang, which is planned for inclusion in the “DNR interior forces.” These include personnel checks, inventory-taking, and weapons survey. Discontent is spreading throughout the lower ranks of this gang due to its reformation, and some members have filed resignation notices. At the same time, after terrorists from this gang complained about the low levels of supplies and provisions, additional uniform items arrived for the needs of the “Vostok” gang from Russia, via the “Uspenka” checkpoint. These include 50 sets of winter uniforms, 300 pairs of tactical gloves, 50 pairs of combat boots, 30 ghillie suits, and more – provided by private individuals from the Rostov Oblast of Russia as “humanitarian aid.”

Post-apocalyptic images of the liberated Shyrokyne in the aftermath of the ‘Russian world’ – photos by Olena Bilozerska via censor.net

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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