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Ukraine has been waiting a long time for the dreaded ATACMS missiles from the US – now they have been secretly delivered. ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile System. And Ukraine used it to attack airfields in Berdyansk and Luhansk, dealing a serious blow to the Russian air force.
The Ukrainian military said: “On the night of October 17, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) carried out successful attacks on helicopters and airfield facilities of the Russian occupation forces in the temporarily occupied Luhansk and Berdyansk regions.”
‘One of the heaviest blows since the start of the operation’
From Kiev it was said that the attack destroyed nine helicopters, an anti-aircraft missile and an ammunition depot and damaged runways. It was also claimed that Russian forces suffered losses during the operation. At least two helicopters had been safely destroyed, according to a statement from the armed forces.
Russian war bloggers reacted to the attack with horror. It was one of the “heaviest blows since the start of the special military operation – if not the heaviest,” one wrote.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Tuesday the receipt and first use of US ATACMS missiles. “The ATACMS have proven themselves.”
Apparently the range of the missiles supplied to Ukraine has been reduced. The version that was made available to the Ukrainians in small numbers was equipped with cluster munitions, writes the New York Times. (neo)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
