Fact Check: "Russian forces launched a major attack with 23 armoured vehicles and 100 soldiers."
What We Know
The claim states that Russian forces launched a significant attack involving 23 armored vehicles and 100 soldiers. Recent reports indicate that Russian forces have indeed been engaged in major offensives in the Avdiivka region, particularly starting on October 10, 2023. During these operations, Russian forces have been noted to attack from multiple directions, including the north, west, and south of Avdiivka, which has been described as one of the bloodiest battles of the war (Battle of Avdiivka).
However, a military assessment from October 21, 2023, reported that during attacks on Avdiivka, Russian forces were involved with 100 armored vehicles and 900 personnel, which significantly exceeds the numbers mentioned in the claim (Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment). This suggests that while there was indeed a major attack, the specifics of the claim regarding the number of armored vehicles and soldiers may not accurately reflect the larger context of the operation.
Analysis
The claim about Russian forces launching an attack with 23 armored vehicles and 100 soldiers appears to be an underrepresentation of the actual military engagement. The information from the military assessment indicates a much larger scale of operation, with 100 armored vehicles and 900 personnel involved in the attacks (Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment).
The source detailing the battle of Avdiivka provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the intensity and scale of the operations. However, it does not specifically corroborate the numbers in the claim, nor does it mention any attack that aligns with the stated figures of 23 armored vehicles and 100 soldiers (Battle of Avdiivka).
The reliability of the sources used is generally high, as they come from established military assessments and reputable news outlets. However, the discrepancy in the numbers raises questions about the accuracy of the claim. It is possible that the figures cited in the claim were either misreported or taken out of context.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that Russian forces launched a major attack with 23 armored vehicles and 100 soldiers does not align with the more comprehensive reports indicating a larger scale of military engagement. While there is evidence of significant Russian operations in Avdiivka, the specific numbers cited in the claim appear to be inaccurate. Further investigation is required to clarify the details of the attack and to understand the broader context of the military actions taking place.
