Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk: Militants use 120-mm mortar launchers in Mariupol sector

Kyiv, May 1, 2016. Russia – backed militants violated the ceasefire twice south of Triokhizbenka in the Luhansk sector of the ATO zone yesterday. In the Donetsk sector militants used mortar launchers once near Avdiivka. “The enemy was active in the vicinity of the Svitlodarsk water reservoir, repeatedly shooting from grenade launchers and small arms. Moreover, the situation was restless on the north outskirts of the occupied Horlivka – in Zaitseve and Mayorsk, informed the spokesman of the Presidential Administration on ATO related issues Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

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Russia – backed militants violated the armistice nine times in the Mariupol sector. ATO troops registered use of 82-mm mortar launchers by militants in Mariinka. Moreover, armored personnel carrier was used in Vodiane and 120-mm mortar launchers near Shyrokyne.

One Ukrainian serviceman died in combat yesterday as a result of militants’ shelling using grenade launchers near Svitlodarsk water reserve. Seven Ukrainian troops were wounded, five in Avdiivka and two in the Mariupol sector.

According to the spokesman, the Security Service of Ukraine found an anti-tank mine strengthened with TNT charge laid by militants subverters on the road frequently used for proceeding of Ukrainian subdivisions and military equipment. “Moreover, a 25-year old man who was a member of Russia-backed militant group since April 2014 surrendered to Bakhmut police yesterday. He was keeping watch at checkpoints and worked in the kitchen. Following liberation of the town from the occupation, he fled to Russia. Having come back home in 18 months, he watched law enforcement staff detaining former militants, so he decided to surrender. What awaits him now is a checkup and, in prospect, release from liability as a part of the program “You are waited for at home,” summarized Col. Motuzyanyk.