And the Ukrainians’ counteroffensive against the Russian invasion continues. While many soldiers fight their way through mine-strewn areas, the “Devils and Angels” unit operates in a specific way, hitting Putin’s army where it is most vulnerable. It focuses on the single-shot strategic elimination of the most important Russian military targets.
The killing of the commander causes chaos among the soldiers
They train and fight in the vicinity of Bakhmut – one of the strategic cities in the Donetsk region that the Russians occupied in May 2023. In addition to shooting skills, they are also trained in techniques of moving in the field in such a way that they are as out of reach as possible. “We’re working quietly, and we’re invisible,” one member of the unit told the Wall Street Journal.
They like to use Western-imported weapons and night vision goggles, but are reluctant to wear special camouflage suits because they are too heavy to move efficiently in the field.
According to experts, the elimination of single, but important targets for the entire army can be very effective. Military historian and retired Army Major General Robert Scales told the Wall Street Journal, “If you’re assembling for an attack and your lieutenant is killed, unity will be chaotic.” He added that even killing the commander of a small unit could “confuse” them completely.
According to Marc Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, snipers become especially important once the front line has stabilized. As has been the case for several months in Ukraine.
Source: wsj.com
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