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DEFighters of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine took control of oil and gas rigs in the Black Sea. The press service of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine published a video with footage of this special operation.
Ukrainian oil and gas drilling platforms are located off the coast of Crimea in the Black Sea. The Russian Federation captured them back in 2015 and has been using them for military purposes as reconnaissance outposts and helipads since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
The operation to establish control of the rigs was carried out with the help of intelligence agency units. The control was restored of Petro Hodovalets and Ukraina drilling platforms, as well as Tavryda and Syvash jack-up rigs.
The special forces in several groups arrived there by combat boats.
During the operation, fighters seized the Russian autonomous reconnaissance radar system “Neva”, which was used by the occupiers to track the movement of ships at sea. The device was dismantled and taken to the mainland. In addition, a stock of 80mm unguided air missiles, which were probably intended for Russian helicopters, was found on the towers. Ammunition was also seized, and the military plans to “return” it to the Russians soon.
During one of the phases of the operation, a battle took place between the Ukrainian military on boats and a Russian Su-30 fighter. The aircraft tried to hit surface targets with its gun but failed.
During the battle, Ukrainian soldiers managed to strike Russian aircraft with MANPADS. It got damaged and retreated.
It is reported that due to the sharp maneuvers of the boat, which was evading aircraft fire, a scout with the call sign “Conan” fell overboard. A group of fighters had to leave him, fleeing from enemy aircraft.
In the end, with the help of a UAV, the soldier was found in the sea, returned, and rescued. In total, “Conan” spent 14 hours in the water.
Bohdan Marusyak
