The Russian reconnaissance group followed a pipeline and suddenly attacked deep inside Avdeevka, before being knocked out of this area by Ukrainian forces.
Page Rus Vesna Russia on January 23 said its ground forces were present in many places south of Avdeevka, Ukraine's defensive stronghold in Donetsk province, eastern country. In particular, a Russian reconnaissance unit conducted a daring infiltration campaign to penetrate deep into Ukrainian defense lines.
According to Russian reconnaissance unit commanders, their intelligence forces have discovered a large underground pipeline leading to Ukraine's Tsarskaya Okhota base, located south of the city of Avdeevka. The first attempt to penetrate through this pipeline failed due to lack of oxygen, forcing Russian forces to create additional vents.
A flood then occurred and submerged the pipeline, making it impossible for the Russian reconnaissance unit to carry out the infiltration plan. A few days ago, when the water receded, Russian forces promoted the attack campaign.
They followed the pipe, taking advantage of the sound of artillery shells and mortars around them to cut into the pipe and dig an opening at Tsarskaya Okhota. Russian forces then raided the Ukrainian rear, cutting off the forward defense posts south of Avdeevka and capturing a group of prisoners.
Russian artillery attacked Ukrainian positions in November 11. Image: Russian Defense Forces
Vitaliy Barabash, mayor of Avdeevka appointed by Ukraine, confirmed on January 24 that the Russian reconnaissance group had entered the southern area of the city, but was knocked out. “The situation in Avdeevka is difficult, but within the control of the Ukrainian armed forces,” Barabash said.
Mr. Barabash refused to reveal when Russian units entered Avdeevka and how long they remained in the city. According to him, about 1.100 civilians are staying in Avdeevka. Before the war, Avdeevka's population was about 32.000 people.
The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on January 23 determined that Russian units had also entered Stepovoye, a village located northwest of Avdeevka. This is the area where Ukrainian media said a battle between two M1 Bradley armored vehicles and a Russian T-2M tank took place.
“Russian and Ukrainian sources said local fighting is taking place in the northwest, southwest, south and periphery of the city of Avdeevka,” ISW said. "Units of the Russian 80th Guards Tank Regiment and the 20th Viking special forces detachment are participating in the battle in the direction of Avdeevka."
Since 2014, the Ukrainian army has built many bunkers and fortifications, turning the city of Avdeevka into a fortress right next to the capital Donetsk of the province of the same name. Russian forces are launching a large-scale attack on Avdeevka and have surrounded three sides of the city, leaving Ukraine with only supply lines from the west.
Winning Avdeevka will help the Russian army expand another 50-60 km on the front line, creating a gateway from the capital Donetsk to other cities such as Konstantinovka in the north, moving closer to the goal of complete control of Donetsk province. .
Russia may have lost hundreds of combat vehicles in its attempt to attack Avdeevka. According to US intelligence, about 13.000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in the campaign.
Location of Avdeevka and neighboring municipalities. Graphics: RYV
Nguyễn Tiến (Follow AFP, RusVesna )
