On October 19, the Ukrainian guards of the Security Service announced that they had successfully carried out a sabotage operation, disrupting the communication system of the Russian military in the Bryansk region.
Bryansk is a region in western Russia, bordering both Ukraine and Belarus. The southern edge of it borders Ukraine's Chernihiv and Sumy regions, making it an important post- baseline region of Russia. Moscow has used the area to provide logistical support and conduct drone and missile attacks on northern Ukraine.
In a statement, ATESH said its agents destroyed a communications tower used for coordination between border guards and Russian military forces.
ATESH, which means "Fire" in the language of the Tatars in Crimea, is a military movement of the rebels operating in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories and inside the Russian territory. The group regularly blames attacks on Russian military targets, including logistics routes, weapons depots, barracks and officials collaborating with Russia.
The attack is believed to have targeted command centers involving the Russian Border Guard, the Engineering Battalion and Airport No. 84, and a unit of the Russian National Guard, according to the statement.
ATESH said the attack caused chaos in Russia's command system and temporarily disrupted control of an important border area. The group said the loss of contact had made it more difficult for Russian forces to respond to potential threats.
ATESH added that its network will continue to target Russia's military infrastructure.
So far, Russia has not commented on this statement. Independent verification of statements by guerrilla groups in conflict conditions is extremely difficult.
