OSCE SMM: Ceasefire violations in Donbas concentrated around three ‘hotspots’

“The security situation in eastern Ukraine remains tense. From 18 September to 1 October the OSCE SMM registered a slight increase in the number of ceasefire violations. Violence was concentrated around three hotspots: 1) the areas south-west, south and south-east of Svitlodarsk, 2) the areas east and north-east of Mariupol, and 3) the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area,” reads the report.

At the same time, the mission noted a reduction in the number of civilian casualties.

“During the reporting period, the SMM confirmed seven civilians injured. This brings the total number of civilian casualties in 2017 to 394, including 69 fatalities,” reads the report.

Also, the mission reported that SMM monitors, in co-ordination with the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination, contributed to an improved humanitarian situation through the facilitation and monitoring of localized adherence to the ceasefire.

iy