The attempt of the Russian invaders to breach towards Mariupol was repulsed in a battle near Shyrokyne village (23 km east of Mariupol). Enemy equipment was destroyed. This was stated on the 4th September 2014 on the Facebook page of the “Azov” Territorial Defense Battalion. It was also reported that there had been no losses among the soldiers of the battalion.

“According to data, there are 5 slightly wounded in “Azov”. Fortunately, [we] found our missing. There are no deaths. Our brothers-in-arms from the border guards also report that they have no deaths”, – said in the statement.

“According to the most recent intelligence from the battle of Shyrokyne, “Azov” Battalion firing an antiaircraft gun managed to destroy an “Ural” transporting enemy troops. According to the intelligence report, half an hour ago, Ukrainian artillery finally went into action, and destroyed a battery of 122mm howitzers D-30. Casualties among civilians of Shyrokyne (shelled by the invaders – Ed.) are still being clarified. Thus the attempt of the invaders to breach into Mariupol has been suppressed”, – said the “Azov” report.

Earlier, Andrei Beletskiy, the commander of the battalion, said that the threat level for Mariupol was high. He highlighted the the attack on Shyrokyne was performed by a company of tanks and a company of infantry fighting vehicles.

“The threat level for Mariupol should be seen as extremely serious. A battalion tactical group supported by a company of tanks and a company of infantry fighting vehicles was hurled at Shyrokyne”, – Beletskiy said talking on air on the “5th Channel”. “[They] advanced with a company of tanks, a company of IFV, “Grad” (MLRS BM-21 “Grad” – Ed.), a battery of mortars and cannon artillery”, said the battalion commander. “The only heavy weapons of “Azov” were a mortar, an antiaircraft gun, and a “Fagot” wire-guided anti-tank missile system”.

Beletskiy believes that the fortifications that the soldiers had been building for a week with the help of volunteers saved them. “The fortifications built stood all day”, said Beletskiy. “After we had destroyed two tanks and “Ural”, the enemy retreated and the shelling began.” During the fight, protective shelters as well as a half of Shyrokyne village was completely destroyed. “Everything is destroyed there”, said the commander. “After the tanks, “Grad” shelled the area”.

We were informed about the repulsed attack in the Mariupol City Council and local ATO Headquarters.

“Today, in the afternoon of September 4, there was an attempt of breakthrough of the heavy equipment in the amount of up to 5 units and enemy personnel from the direction of Bezimenne village towards Shyrokyne village. Having taken up positions near Shyrokyne village, the enemy opened fire at the emplacements of the Ukrainian military. Because the emplacements had been fortified in advance, the ATO forces repulsed the attack, eliminating the attacking manpower and equipment.

Because artillery was used during the hostile contact, the residents of the left bank of Mariupol heard the sounds of explosions. The enemy did not approach Mariupol. All military equipment was destroyed.

The report stated that “the Command and the forces of the ATO grouping deployed to the area take the necessary measures to prevent any breakthrough of the enemy and we have the strength and means to ensure this. In addition, reconnaissance is constantly being conducted in order to assess the situation in the region. There is no danger of attack on Mariupol”.

Source: Атака на Мариуполь отбита: в батальоне “Азов” и штабе АТО рассказали подробности

Edited by Larry Field