In a dramatic operation behind enemy lines, three Ukrainian soldiers from the Artan X unit, part of the elite Artan Special Action Unit of the Defense Intelligence conducted a reconnaissance and sabotage raid targeting the positions of russia's 247th Air Assault Regiment.
The mission quickly escalated when the Ukrainian operators encountered a russian group and engaged in close combat — three against three. During the clash, russian forces reportedly used an unknown chemical agent. Overcome by the effects of the gas, Ukrainian troops were captured.
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However, russian attempts to retreat with the prisoners to a nearby occupied settlement were closely monitored by Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance teams. As the enemy reached their first shelter, Ukrainian drone operators from the Artan Unit and allied units launched a precise counterattack using FPV drones to disrupt the enemy plans and rescue the captives.
One of the captured commandos, callsign Ketsa, managed to break free amid the chaos caused by the drone strike. Hiding in the ruins of a nearby building, he later described the pain from the chemical exposure and the overwhelming relief as Ukrainian drones arrived: "It burned in my chest from the gas they used on us. When our FPVs struck, it was unbelievable. I'm deeply grateful to my brothers-in-arms who didn't leave us behind."
The drone strikes eliminated all three russian paratroopers – two outright, and the third while attempting to hide under an old truck. A recon drone then guided two of Ukrainian fighters out of enemy territory. The third soldier returned safely after nightfall.
All three freed soldiers returned with captured weapons and valuable intelligence. They are currently recovering from chemical burns.
Commander Favorit of the Artan X unit praised the operation: "This was a masterpiece of coordination and courage. Our drone operators performed with surgical precision. We fight for our own to the very end. Occupiers are destroyed."
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