The “DNR” militants point heavy machine-gun at SMM patrol near Mariupol

The “DNR” militants pointed heavy machine-gun at SMM patrol near Verkhnoshyrokivske on October 25, the OSCE SMM report says.

An SMM patrol comprising two armoured vehicles and six members were stopped by armed men at a checkpoint near “DNR”-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, 29km north-east of Mariupol) at 09:57.

“As the patrol waited to pass through the checkpoint and proceed further east into non-government-controlled areas the SMM observed a partially covered and unattended heavy machine-gun (12.7mm) ten metres in front of the first SMM patrol vehicle. A few minutes later, two men in military-style clothing approached the heavy machine-gun, reloaded its ammunition and pointed it directly at the first SMM patrol vehicle. They then repeated this action. After a few minutes, as the armed men moved the heavy machine-gun toward a stationary military-style vehicle (Ford Transit painted in camouflage pattern) they stopped and pointed the gun directly at the first SMM patrol vehicle from a distance of three metres”, - the report said.

The SMM left the location at 10:16 and proceeded further east into non-government-controlled areas as planned. The SMM returned safely to base in Mariupol at 16:15.

The SMM informed the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination and asked it to follow up on the incident.