OSCE SMM records over 200 explosions in ATO area over 24hours

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) recorded 216 explosions in Donbas in the period from 19:30, February 11 to 19:30, February 12, 2018.

The OSCE SMM stated this in a relevant reported released on February 13.

“In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations, including, however, more explosions (about 210) compared with the previous reporting period (about 170 explosions). In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including six explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (two explosions),” the OSCE reported.

Also, the SMM reported that on 11 February, an SMM mini-UAV spotted three IFVs (two BMP-2 and a BMP-1) and two anti-aircraft guns (ZU-23) mounted on trucks near the populated area of Obozne. On 12 February, the SMM observed an armoured reconnaissance vehicle (BRDM-2) in government-controlled areas in Mariupol, as well as two APCs (a BTR-60 and a BTR variant) near Volnovakha.

In addition, the SMM reported that on the evening and night of February11-12, while being in Svitlodarsk (government-controlled), the SMM heard 43 explosions (nine assessed as outgoing mortars rounds and 34 undetermined), about 115 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire, ten shots of outgoing infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (BMP-2) cannon (30mm) fire and six shots of automatic-grenade-launcher fire, all 5-10km at directions ranging from east to south-south-east.

“The following day, while at the same location, the SMM heard 29 explosions (six assessed as outgoing mortar rounds and 23 undetermined), 11 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire and six shots of automatic-grenade-launcher fire, all 5-8km at directions ranging from east to south,” the OSCE SMM stated.

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