A Ukrainian drone with thermal capability detected a Russian night infiltration team approaching friendly positions in the vicinity of Avdiivka. The Russian coordinates were sent to a nearby 120mm mortar team and they began firing high explosive rounds at the patrol.

Once the mortar rounds begin impacting, the Russian troops scurry into the woodline for cover. It's not clear if any casualties were inflicted by the strikes, but the infiltration attempt was denied.

It's not clear exactly what mortar rounds or system is being used by the Ukrainian troops, however, a wiser fuze setting for this instance would be proximity "air burst" for troops in the open. Rather than the rounds hitting the ground and exploding up and outward, the rounds would detonate in the air overhead of their targets and rain down deadly fragmentation. Again, it's not clear of the Ukrainians are using rounds with this setting as an option.

About the Author

Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter