5 Mar 2022 10:48

DPR says takes control of 3 more populated areas

DONETSK. March 5 (Interfax) - The Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) forces, with fire support from the Russian Armed Forces, have taken control of three more populated areas in Donbas, DPR militia spokesman Eduard Basurin said.

"The populated areas of Znamenivka, Sonyachne, and Pryvilne have been taken under control over the past 24 hours," Basurin told journalists on Saturday.

The DPR territory has come under fire 20 times over the past 24 hours, which caused injuries to four civilians, including one child, he said.

"In the past 24 hours, the enemy opened fire upon our territory 20 times, using BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, 152-mm and 122-mm tube artillery systems, and 120-mm and 82-mm mortars. Dozens of the republic's populated areas have been shelled," Basurin said.

The DPR territorial defense headquarters said the republic's forces have taken control of nearly 40 populated areas since the start of the special operation.

"As of March 5, 2022, 39 populated areas earlier controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been liberated," the headquarters said in a statement on Saturday.