Russia launches 'counter terror operation' to halt Ukrainian advances

Russia launched a "counter-terror operation" on Saturday (August 10) across three border regions — Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk — as Ukrainian forces launched their largest cross-border offensive since the conflict began two and a half years ago. The development coincided with Russia's evacuation of more than 76,000 people from border areas in its western Kursk region since Tuesday (August 6), when Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border offensive.

The Russian operation, triggered after Ukrainian units made a surprise incursion into Russia's western Kursk region on Tuesday morning, has involved the deployment of additional troops, including tanks, rocket launchers, and aviation units, to halt the advancing Ukrainian forces.

Also watch |Russia-Ukraine War: What's behind Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk?

The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced late Friday (August 9) the start of the "counter-terror operations," to ensure the safety of citizens and neutralising purported terrorist threats posed by Ukrainian sabotage groups.

Under Russian law, the declaration of a "counter-terror" operation grants security forces and the military emergency powers. These include restricting movement, seizing vehicles, monitoring communications, designating no-go zones, establishing checkpoints, and bolstering security at critical infrastructure sites.

The committee described Ukraine's actions as an "unprecedented attempt to destabilize the situation" in the affected regions and labelled the incursion a "terrorist attack." They also claimed that Ukrainian forces had injured civilians and caused significant damage to residential buildings.

While Ukrainian officials have remained largely silent on the operation, President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at the success of his troops. He said earlier this week that Russia must "feel" the consequences of its full-scale offensive against Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

The United States, a key ally of Ukraine, said that it was not informed of the operation in advance.

On Saturday, Russia's defence ministry released footage of tank crews firing on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, along with footage of an overnight air strike. The ministry also claimed that 26 Ukrainian drones attempting to attack the region were shot down overnight.

(With inputs from agencies)

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