Pocket of Avdeevka can already be seen.
Frontline Report for November 12, 2023
We have finished our previous report on the Maryinka - Nevelskoye line. Line Nevelskoye-Pervomayskoye-Vodyanoye is also very active. First of all, this position has a crucial meaning for all the Avdeevka defense operation. But this is a place with sophisticated geography. (See Map 1)
The village of Pervomayskoye is surrounded by several small ponds, which contribute to sophisticated configuration on the ground. The 9th brigade (earlier 9th regiment) – the very famous “Iron helmets” – mobilized guys from DPR are working here.
And the brigade is gnawing through enemy defense lines in Pervomayskoye in two directions. From the Pesky direction, along E-50 highway. These days the northern shore of Izmailovsky pond has been seized control of and it is almost cleared. And from the Vodyanoye direction – the combats continue on the northern part of the Novoavdeevka pond cascade. (see Map 2).
The space between these two directions is forming a triangular bridgehead of ukies, which juts into our defense line. So, the task set to our forces is clear here – they need to cut off this bridgehead, and either force the enemy to retreat or to destroy them. And only after completing that, we may speak about clearing Pervomayskoye itself.
The next is Pervomayskoye – Avdeevka line. It falls under responsibility of my own “Slavyanka”, who works here together with 52nd “Syberian” regiment. As I have mentioned earlier, this is the one of most fortified sections of the enemy’s defense line. Most important thing is that main supply lines of the enemy pass through here. One main asphalt road 00542 Orlovka-Lastochkino-Avdeevka. And two secondary dirt roads: Severnoe – 9th quarter of Avdeevka and Orlovka-Lastochkino-Industrialniy avenue of Avdeevka.
There are several transport arteries to the north of Avdeevka, but they don't have much significance due to the sophisticated route configuration.
Main problem at this line was ukrops’ “Karyer” [Quarry] position – a sand excavation, which is the dominant height on the site, moreover it was deeply embedded in our positions, exactly between Vodyanoye and Opytnoye.
On the one hand, it prevented “Slavyanka” from advancing to village of Severnyi. On the other hand, it hindered progress of advance directly towards Avdeevka from the Opytnoe direction.
During all the past week “Slavyanka” was completing this strategic objective on this part of Avdeevskiy front. Due to series of heroic assaults, they have seized control of the position and consolidated successfully.
As promised, I will continue describing how it all went on in the author’s series of essays and short stories, when there is possibility. Follow my channel for this.
After the “Karyer” was seized control of, the brigade keeps on moving towards Severnoye and to the Avdeevka side – once again, the hard work on another harmful position «Khrebet» [Ridge], which is hanging over the battlefield began. Our forces have successfully entered this position and now fiercest fights for enemy strongpoint are taking place there. (see Map 3)
If we look at the map, this is cutting edge of a forest belt before Severniy. Now the envelopment of the village is taking place as from the main frontline direction – ours are moving in the forest belt conditionally towards the village of Pervomayskoye; they are also moving deep into enemy defenses to the right of Severnoye, conditionally towards Lastochkino.
So, apparently that next step is assault of the village of Severnoye.
And below, the the district of Opytnoye, our are moving through the forest belt towards Avdeevka, to the right of the 9th quarter. (see Map 4)
The 9th quarter (Khimik district) one more complicated position of ukrops at this area. This is a multi-story buildings area that overlooks the field. It resembles Vostochniy district of Mariupol.
In general, after the position “Karyer” was seized control of, “Slavyanka” is biting off from two to five enemy strongpoints per day. And I pray the Lord we can keep such tempo. The most important thing – our army continues advancing and now we can see real contours of pocket of Avdeevka. Let’s wish guys good luck.
That’s all for today, I will tell about the situation on the other part of Avdeevka in my next release.