OSCE SMM registers numerous evidence of recent artillery shelling of Ukrainian checkpoints – report
At the checkpoints of Ukrainian Armed Forces OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) has observed evidence of recent shelling with artillery, the caliber of which is more than 100 mm, which is banned by the Minsk accords, reads the mission's report as of 19:30 on August 9.
On Saturday, the SMM noted that a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint 1.8km south-east of government-controlled Maryinka had been recently shelled, with a number of fresh craters and damaged sandbag and concrete emplacements evident. "Checkpoint personnel maintained a high state of alert, apparently fearing sniper fire, keeping cover behind concrete reinforcements or in a bunker," reads the statement.
Later, while stationary in the town, the SMM heard 13 outgoing SALW rounds fired 1-2km east and north-east of its position. After moving to the northern outskirts of the town, the SMM heard another nine outgoing SALW rounds fired 1-2km east and south-east of its position.
"At 7:25hrs on August 9, at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near government-controlled Berezove (30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed a mortar round impacting 600-800m east of the checkpoint. More than 100 civilian vehicles were at the checkpoint at the time," reads the report.
On Saturday, close to a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint in government-controlled Schastia, the SMM observed a 15-minute exchange of small-arms fire and mortars across the contact line.
On Sunday, in government-controlled Troitske, the SMM observed two impact craters, both containing the remains of 122mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) Grad rockets
On the same day, in government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska, the SMM observed two craters, 20m from a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint, caused, according to Ukrainian Armed Forces officers attached to the JCCC, by shelling the previous night. The SMM assessed that 122mm mortars, fired from the south, had been used.
On Sunday, at the checkpoint of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic south of the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, the SMM noted fresh impact craters, which it assessed to have been caused by 82mm mortar shell.