Donetsk militia claim seizure of Starobeshevo from Ukrainian troops

Militia forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic, DPR, said they have seized from pro-Kiev troops the settlement of Starobeshevo, located in the southeast of the embattled region.

According to Itar-Tass, the headquarters of the DPR militia forces told on Tuesday that “A total of four MSTA-S self-propelled howitzers and a depot containing considerable amount of ammunition were seized.

“Twelve [enemy’s] armored combat vehicles were destroyed. Enemy’s casualties totaled 19 killed and 40 wounded.”

Though the claim could not be independently confirmed, the seizure of Starobeshevo settlement as well as on earlier information concerning the seizure of Saur-Mogila height.
The headquarters of the DPR militia forces had earlier told Itar-Tass that self-defense fighters seized from pro-Kiev troops the strategically important height, Saur-Mogila, assuming control of the border area with Russia that stretches up to the Sea of Azov.
“Almost all border [area] stretching from Saur-Mogila to the Sea of Azov is ours,” the headquarters said.
“Using this highest point in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian troops were able to track all movements of militia forces. The seizure of this height can be considered as a breakthrough in the battles. Militia forces will be now keeping track of Ukrainian troops’ movements,” the headquarters said.

“In fact, this means that our forces secured another victory to encircle the National Guards,” the headquarters added.
Local news agency Novorossiya reported earlier on Tuesday that east Ukraine self-defense fighters are battling with the pro-Kiev troops for control of the town of Ilovaisk and the settlements of Yelenovka (Olenovka) and Yasinovataya.
Fighting for Yelenovka (Olenovka) resumed on Tuesday morning. The militias gained control of this populated area on Monday but were eventually forced to leave it as they had no reinforcements to continue their offensive.e’s embattled east.