Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk: Militants intensify their attacks. Two Ukrainian troops killed.

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Kyiv, June 21, 2016. Militants increased the number of their attacks in the ATO zone. Russia-backed militant groups directed fire at ATO troop positions near Verkhniotoretske, southwest of Horlivka. Militants used 82-mm mortar launchers, grenade launchers of various types and small arms. “Russian proxies widely shelled in the area from north to west of Horlivka, namely from Kirove and Troitske to Zaitseve and Maiorsk. The majority of militant attacks involved the use of grenade launchers and small arms. A sniper’s attack was registered near Zaitseve,” informed the spokesman of the Presidential Administration on ATO related issues Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk at a press – briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. According to the spokesman, fighting continues near Avdiivka and Putylivska coal mine where militants launched 44 mortar shells.21-06_eng

The spokesman said that heavy shelling of southern part of Krasnohorivka had been registered over the night in the Mariupol sector. The enemy used mortar launchers and grenade launchers. Moreover, militants shot from a tank and an armored personnel carrier (APC). Two local inhabitants were wounded as a result of these provocations,” said Col. Motuzyanyk. According to him, militants increased the number of attacks at Shyrokyne village, launching 40 mortar shells and shooting from an APC, grenade launchers and small arms. Moreover, sporadic provocations took place near Mariinka, Taramchuk and Hnutove. Militant snipers were shooting near Novozvanivka and Shchastia in the Luhansk sector.

Col. Motuzyanyk said that two Ukrainian servicemen were killed in combat yesterday and five were wounded.

According to military intelligence, militants continue to regularly undermining SMM OSCE authority through interference with their activities. A protest rally involving local inhabitants of the temporarily occupied Horlivka took place in the vicinity of Maiorsk yesterday, partially blocking the mission representatives’ work. Col. Motuzyanyk added that militants of the self-proclaimed “9th separate marine assault motorized rifle regiment” were ordered to destroy any photo- and video materials recorded by international observers. “Should observers refuse to delete the materials, militants will block OSCE SMM movement until the militants command arrives,” explained the spokesman. At the same time, military intelligence informs that insurgents are losing incentive. “A militant Dmytro Alioshyn from so-called “7th separate motorized rifle regiment” located in Debltseve committed suicide by grenade yesterday. A female civilian from the occupied town had been wounded by fragments,” said Col. Motuzyanyk.