Thread by @MarkHertling

What’s going on in Belgorod?

I’d suggest it may be continuance of shaping operations, prior to Ukraines’ offensive.

Some things we may see in the near future are types of “strikes” or deception operations like raids, feints or demonstrations. Here’s some info on each. 1/6

A raid is a surprise attack for a specific purpose. Raids threaten or destroy a limited objective, kill or capture small groups of enemy soldiers or equipment, free prisoners, or cause movement of the enemy to protect the object of the raid. 2/

Doctrine suggests that raids last “…long enough to accomplish the intent of the objective, [cause confusion or panic in the enemy force] and then the raiding force withdraws….”

A raid surprises the enemy, throws the enemy off their plan, and causes confusion. 3/

Feints are offensive actions that usually require a friendly force to conduct a limited engagement with the enemy.

The desire is to give appearance of an attack or the start of the offensive (prior to the real offensive start) w/o friendly forces being decisively engaged. 4/

Demonstrations (units moving around, appearing like they’re forming for an attack) are a show of force on the battlefield, with a desire to confuse but not make contact with the enemy.

These are usually done as part of deception operations (with smoke, fire, signals, etc). 5/

These are all military plans and actions they usually take place before large offensive operations to confuse the enemy as to where the main attack will occur.

That may (or may not) be a part of what’s happening in Belgorod. 6/6