[RPG] The First Chechen War (Chechnya 1995)

Cities and key settlements (Winter campaign):
Grozny (December 1994 – March 1995): The bloodiest battle of the year. Fighting raged for every block, the train station, the Presidential Palace, hospitals, and the cannery. The key hub was Minutka Square, which became the scene of fierce assaults by the Internal Troops, the Special Rapid Response Unit, and the army.
Argun, Gudermes, Shali (March 1995): After the fall of Grozny, militants entrenched themselves in these cities, turning them into fortresses. Federal forces stormed them using a uniform strategy: blocking, heavy artillery bombardment, and clearing operations with riot police and internal troops.

Villages, foothills and plains (Spring campaign):
Samashki (April 1995): A large village in western Chechnya, covering the road to Grozny. The battle for Samashki, fought by the Sofrino Brigade of Internal Troops and OMON, became one of the most notorious and tragic special operations of the year due to the fierce street fighting in densely populated areas.
Bamut (April – May 1995): A village on the border with Ingushetia, located in the foothills. Militants used the silos of former Soviet Strategic Missile Forces missile bases as underground bunkers, invulnerable to air strikes. In the spring of 1995, assaults on Bamut (including those by the Rosich special forces on Lysaya Gora) failed, and the village became a symbol of resistance.

Mountain Warfare and Gorges (Summer Campaign):
Argun Gorge: The main transport artery in the mountains. Fighting was waged for control of the heights ("sub-hills") along the gorge to cut off militants' supplies from Georgia.
Vedeno and Nozhai-Yurt (May–June 1995): Mountainous regional centers and family seats of Dudayev's leaders. The fighting took place in dense forests and cliffs, where the army used helicopter landings and FSB and Internal Troops special forces waged ambush operations.
Shatoy (June 1995): A high-mountain stronghold where Defense Ministry forces stormed Dudayev's last major base before the war entered a guerrilla phase.

BMP-1 and BMP-2: Primary transport and infantry support. The BMP-2 was valued more for its 30mm 2A42 autocannon, which could elevate its barrel high enough to reach the tops of buildings. The BMP-1, with its 73mm Grom cannon, was ineffective in urban combat.

BTR-70 and BTR-80: Used primarily for patrols, convoy guards, and checkpoints. They had weak armor against RPGs.

T-72A, T-72B, and T-80BV tanks: They were assigned to motorized infantry units to reinforce them. The T-80BV, with its Kontakt-1 dynamic protection, had powerful armor, but its gas turbine engine consumed a lot of fuel and burned up oxygen in the rear of the vehicle, making it difficult for infantry to follow it.

AK-74: Primary assault rifle

AKS-74U: A shortened assault rifle. It was used by drivers, gunners, officers, and signalmen. Poor accuracy and overheated quickly.

GP-25 "Kostyor": Underbarrel grenade launcher for the AK-74. In short supply and in high demand in Chechnya for engaging militants in trenches, folds in the terrain, and around corners of buildings.

PM (Makarov Pistol) and APS (Stechkin Automatic Pistol): Officers' personal sidearms. The APS, with its automatic fire mode and 20-round magazine, was extremely popular and considered a prestigious trophy by both sides.

RPK-74: Kalashnikov light machine gun. Standard platoon support weapon. High capacity, but a small magazine and the inability to change the barrel if it overheats. Soldiers were often re-equipped with more powerful machine guns.

PKM (Modernized Kalashnikov Machine Gun): This powerful round could penetrate brick walls and militant shelters. The PKM was prized for its exceptional reliability and was used in platoons and companies.

NSV-12.7 "Utes": A heavy machine gun. It was used in a mounted configuration by infantry at checkpoints and on tank turrets. It easily destroyed lightly armored targets and penetrated thick walls.

SVD (Dragunov Sniper Rifle): The platoon sniper's weapon. In Chechnya, snipers operated with assault teams to suppress Chechen firing positions and conduct counter-sniper operations.

RPG-7V: A reusable hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher. Carried by a squad grenade launcher operator. In Grozny, it fired not only at armored vehicles but also at fortifications with thermobaric and high-explosive grenades.

RPG-18 "Mukha" / RPG-22 "Netto" / RPG-26 "Aglen": Single-shot rocket-propelled anti-tank grenades. Carried by infantrymen on their backs, they were used as an assault weapon for quickly clearing passages in walls and destroying militant nests.

RPO-A "Shmel": Infantry rocket flamethrower (thermobaric). Formally assigned to the NBC protection forces, flamethrower operators with Shmels were always assigned to motorized rifle assault groups. A Shmel explosion inside a building was equivalent in effectiveness to a 152mm artillery shell, completely burning out Chechen pillboxes.

RGD-5 and F-1 ("Limonka"): Hand-held fragmentation grenades. The F-1 (defensive, with a wide fragmentation spread) was widely used to clear basements and was dropped into windows before assaults.

The basic field uniform was the Afghanka camouflage pattern or the relatively new VSR-93 ("vertical") pattern. In winter, they wore heavy pea coats with fur collars. Instead of combat boots, most conscripts wore uncomfortable tarpaulin boots with foot wraps.

The most common type of helmet was the SSh-68 steel helmet (model 1968). It offered no protection against bullets, so soldiers often wore ushanka hats underneath for added protection or left the helmet straps open to prevent the helmet from breaking their necks during a blast. The most commonly used body armor was the Soviet 6B3 and 6B5 series. These were heavy (weighing 7 to 11 kg) and restricted movement, but their titanium or ceramic plates protected against shrapnel.

Regular motorized riflemen had almost no standard vests—they were issued standard Soviet canvas pouches attached to their waist belts. Because of this, soldiers often sewed their own vests from raincoats, used medical kits, or tied AK magazines together in pairs with duct tape. Elite units had 6Sh12 vests.

Urban Combat: Gnawing Through and Barrage Tactics

In the battles for the Grozny districts (in January-February 1995), and then during the capture of Argun and Gudermes, motorized riflemen acted slowly, but in a continuous front.
Block Isolation: Motorized rifle companies, supported by armored vehicles, completely blocked off the designated area or high-rise building, cutting off the militants from supplies.
Scorched earth before the assault: Instead of sending infantry forward, a massive artillery strike, direct tank fire, and Shmel flamethrowers were launched against the identified Dudayevite firing points. Motorized infantry only advanced once resistance had been crushed.
Moving through walls: To avoid sniper fire on open streets, motorized riflemen would break through the walls of adjacent buildings or fences using TNT blocks and RPGs, moving inside blocks "through buildings."

Mountainous wooded terrain: Blocking and squeezing

In the spring and summer of 1995, the war moved into the foothills and mountains (battles for Vedeno, Shatoi, and Bamut). Here, motorized rifle tactics were based on close cooperation with aircraft and artillery.
Encirclement of settlements: A village occupied by militants was surrounded by a tight ring. Paratroopers or special forces landed on the commanding heights around the village, while motorized infantry blocked all roads with armored personnel carriers and formed an outer encirclement.
Fire sweeps of the "greenery": Before the infantry advanced along the wooded slopes, artillery and Mi-24 helicopters struck suspicious areas. Motorized infantry advanced in short bursts from line to line under the cover of BMP-2 cannon fire.

Cleansing tactics (Special Operations)

When a settlement was blocked or the militants formally retreated, motorized riflemen, together with the Internal Troops (IT) and OMON, conducted an inspection of the territory.
Curfew and filtration: The village was divided into sectors. Motorized infantry posted guards on the streets and provided armored cover for the Interior Ministry sweep teams, who checked every house, basement, and attic for hiding militants.

Battle order during the assault on cities (Assault groups)

Instead of battalions and companies, the main unit became the assault group (based on a platoon or company), which was divided into three subgroups:
Fire Subgroup (Armored Group): Tank and BMP-2/BTR-80. They moved behind the infantry, taking cover behind the corners of buildings. On command from the infantry, they would peek out, fire one or two shots at windows/pillboxes, and immediately retreat. ZU-23-2 crews on trucks were also included to fire at the upper floors.
Assault Subgroup (capture): Infantry, divided into "troikas" (a submachine gunner, a machine gunner/grenade launcher, and a covering force). They cleared passages in the walls (often using RPO "Shmel" or RPGs) and cleared rooms "from basement to attic."
Cover (reinforcement) subgroup: Snipers with SVDs, PKM machine gunners, and AGS-17 crews. They took up positions in the already recaptured buildings opposite and kept all windows of the assaulted facility under fire, preventing the militants from emerging or bringing in reserves.

Battle order in a column (On the march)

To protect against constant ambushes in the green areas and on mountain roads, the battle formation of a motorized rifle column in 1995–1996 was built as follows:
Reconnaissance patrol (RP): At a distance of 1-2 km ahead, 1-2 BMP/APC with sappers and military reconnaissance went to detect landmines and ambushes.
Main forces: Trucks carrying ammunition and personnel, interspersed with tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The vehicles' guns were deployed in a herringbone pattern (even-numbered vehicles facing right, odd-numbered vehicles facing left) to instantly open fire during an attack.
Rear outpost (rear field outpost): Rear tanks and repair vehicles (BREMs), ready to push damaged vehicles to prevent the column from ending up in a "fire pocket".

T-72B / T-72B(M): The most numerous and reliable tank of the war. It was equipped with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA) (the characteristic "cubes" on the armor). The T-72B was prized for its low-maintenance V-84 diesel engine, high field maintainability, and reliable chassis. The tank had an automatic loader; there was no loader.

T-80BV: Tanks with a gas turbine engine (GTE). The T-80BV had excellent dynamics and speed, but its fatal flaws became apparent in Chechnya:
Huge fuel consumption
Ammunition Vulnerability: The specifics of the ammunition stowage (vertical in the automatic loading carousel) meant that when an RPG penetrated the side, the propellant charges would instantly detonate, completely destroying the tank along with the crew.
The T-80BV had a loading mechanism, but no loader.

T-62M: An older generation of tanks. They were used primarily by the Internal Troops (MVD) at checkpoints. Due to their additional armor ("Brezhnev eyebrows") and simplicity, they performed well in defensive roles, although they were rarely used for city assaults. The tank was manually loaded, and there was a loader.

Tank overalls: Standard Soviet cotton overalls in black, dark blue, or protective (khaki) were used. In winter, heavy padded tank jackets and trousers ("kombezy") were issued. A major problem was that these uniforms easily burned in a fire inside a tank. Special fire-resistant "Tarzan" suits or suits with a special coating were in extremely short supply and extremely rare.
Tank helmet phone (TSh-4): Winter (fur-lined) and summer fabric helmets with built-in laryngophones and earpieces for intercom and radio. The helmet phone protected the head from impacts with armor while moving over rough terrain.
Body armor and vests: According to regulations, wearing standard infantry body armor (such as the 6B5) inside a tank was practically impossible—it made it impossible to squeeze through a narrow hatch or quickly exit a burning vehicle. Specialized thin tank body armor (such as fabric anti-fragmentation vests) were rarely issued. Tankers often compromised: while marching, they would wear their body armor, but inside the tank, they would remove it and hang it on the seats or walls of the fighting compartment for additional protection from armor fragments. Vests were rarely used for the same reason—they would snag on protruding parts inside the tank.

About BC:
High-explosive fragmentation shells (HEF): They were loaded to the maximum (up to 70–80% of the total ammunition load). There were no tank duels, so HEF became the primary weapon. They were used to collapse building ceilings, destroy sniper nests, and create passages in walls for infantry.
HEAT shells: They occupied the remaining space. They were used to destroy the militants' powerful reinforced concrete pillboxes and brick fortifications.
Armor-piercing subcaliber (APS): They were practically never loaded. They were removed from the automatic loaders to make room for high-explosive shells.
In the mountains, tanks were often used as ersatz self-propelled guns, firing at Chechen bases in a high-angle trajectory at a distance of up to 4–5 km.

About additional armor:

Anti-cumulative grids: Homemade metal screens, bed nets, or steel sheets were welded onto the turret and sides to cause the detonation of an RPG grenade before it reached the main armor.

Logs and bags: Self-extracting logs, track links and bags of sand/gravel were tied to the sides of the turret and hull with wire.

Engine compartment protection: The rear engine compartment was lined with ammunition boxes filled with sand or bricks to protect the engine from RPG fire from the upper floors.

BMD-1 and BMD-2: The main airborne vehicles. The BMD-1 had a 73mm cannon, like the BMP-1. The BMD-2 was prized for its 30mm automatic cannon with a high elevation angle (effective against militants in the mountains and on high ground). However, the thin aluminum armor could be penetrated even by a DShK heavy machine gun, and an RPG would literally shatter the vehicle.

BTR-D: A tracked armored personnel carrier without a turret. It was used to transport ammunition and evacuate the wounded. It was often equipped with a makeshift AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher or a ZU-23-2 twin anti-aircraft mount.

2S9 "Nona-S": 120mm self-propelled artillery gun. It became the airborne troops' "guardian angel." Its unique ballistics allowed it to fire both as a mortar (difficult in the mountains) and as a howitzer for direct fire against buildings.

AKS-74: Assault rifle with a folding metal buttstock (convenient for use inside vehicles).

RPKS-74: Light machine gun also with a folding stock.

PKM: Heavy machine gun (7.62 mm) - prized for its firepower and reliability in mud and dust.

SVDs and silent weapons: In addition to the SVD, the Airborne Forces' special forces (45th Regiment) actively used VSS Vintorez silent sniper rifles and AS Val assault rifles. These weapons ensured stealth during night raids and sweeps.

The paratroopers took RPO-A Shmel rocket flamethrowers and disposable grenade launchers (RPG-22, RPG-26) in abundance for each sortie.

Uniform: Afghanka or VSR-93 camouflage. Unlike the motorized infantry, who wore boots, most paratroopers wore leather high-tops, which was critical in the mountains. A striped shirt under the tunic was a key element of pride and identification.
Armor protection: Lightweight airborne body armor 6B3-01 or 6B4, as well as SSh-68 helmets were used.
Unloading vests: The Airborne Forces were among the first to receive standard unloading vests (similar to the RD-54 - a paratrooper's backpack with pouches) or used captured/homemade "bras" to carry ammunition on the chest, since canvas pouches on the belt made it difficult to crawl in the mountains and city ruins.

Urban Combat: Vertical Assault and Clearance from Above

In Grozny and Argun, paratroopers abandoned the idea of ​​storming buildings head-on through the ground floors, which militants typically mined and turned into pillboxes.
Capture from above: Using adjacent rooftops or breaches in walls, airborne assault teams would stealthily penetrate the upper floors or rooftops of buildings. From there, they would begin clearing the enemy from the top down, lobbing grenades at the militants through stairwells and ceiling holes. This deprived Dudayev's forces of their main advantage—firing from above on Russian vehicles.
Fire isolation: While the assault teams worked inside, airborne snipers (armed, among other things, with silent VSS Vintorez machine guns) and PKM machine gun crews cut off any attempts by the militants to retreat or call for reinforcements with fire.

• Fire isolation: While the assault teams worked inside, airborne snipers (armed, among other things, with silent VSS Vintorez) and PKM machine gun crews cut off with fire any attempts by the militants to retreat or call for reinforcements.

2. Mountain Tactics: War for the Heights

In the spring and summer of 1995, in the mountainous regions (Vedeno, Shatoi), the Airborne Forces deployed the classic tactics of helicopter landings and the capture of commanding heights.
Helicopter "jumps": Groups of paratroopers in Mi-8 helicopters, covered by Mi-24s, landed on ridgetops behind militant strongholds. They blocked escape routes into the mountains and directed fire from Nona-S artillery and Su-25 attack aircraft.
Outflanking maneuvers: Instead of moving along roads through gorges where militants were setting fire to pockets of fire, the airborne battalions advanced on foot along the mountain ridges. From top to bottom, they methodically eliminated separatist ambushes, clearing the way for motorized rifle columns.

Night raids by airborne special forces

A nightmare for militants: Using night vision goggles and silent weapons, special forces teams infiltrated the front lines at night. They eliminated guard posts, blew up militant headquarters and warehouses in their immediate rear, and retreated before dawn. This sowed panic: the militants often had no idea where the fire was coming from.

2S1 Gvozdika (122mm): Fully tracked chassis. The most widely produced self-propelled gun for direct support of motorized infantry and the destruction of manpower.

2S3 "Akatsiya" (152mm): A powerful self-propelled howitzer. Its 40-kg shells effectively destroyed the brick and concrete pillboxes of militants in Grozny.

2S19 "Msta-S" (152mm): The combat debut of the then-new self-propelled gun. Its long range (up to 28 km) and automation allowed it to strike bases in the rear without the risk of return fire.

D-30 (122 mm): Towed howitzer. Due to its simplicity and 360° fire, it was widely deployed at checkpoints for round-the-clock defense.

BM-21 Grad (122mm): Used for area strikes against concentrations of militants, camps, and marching columns. A salvo could devastate a huge area.

9K57 "Uragan" (220mm): A heavy MLRS. It used high-explosive and cluster munitions to destroy separatist headquarters, defensive strongholds, and bridges.

2S4 "Tulip" (240mm): A heavy self-propelled mortar. The mortar dropped almost vertically, penetrating the concrete floors of multi-story buildings and bunkers, and exploding basements from the inside. Laser-guided "Smelchak" mortars were also used.

9K79 "Tochka" / "Tochka-U": Tactical missiles. They carried out precision strikes on key remote targets (Vedeno and Shali bases), where conventional artillery could not reach.

In Grozny, artillery employed a "barrage" tactic—a block would be completely suppressed by heavy fire before the infantry could enter. Later, in the mountains, they switched to roving batteries: the guns would quickly fire several shots at reconnaissance coordinates and then change positions before the militants' mortar response began.

In addition to the standard AK-74, PKM, and SVD, scouts made extensive use of a highly specialized arsenal:
VSS Vintorez sniper rifles and AS Val assault rifles chambered for the heavy 9x39mm cartridge were used. They allowed for silently eliminating sentries and engaging in point-blank combat in the jungle. The PB (silent PM) pistol and the NRS-2 scout knife were also used.
Heavy automatic weapons: The AGS-17 "Plamya" automatic grenade launcher and the "Utes" heavy machine gun (12.7 mm) were often used in ambushes to destroy vehicles and militants' manpower.
Rocket and assault weapons: RPO-A Shmel flamethrowers and RPG-26 grenade launchers were mandatory. Special Forces groups often used captured Chechen RPG-7s, as ammunition for them was easier to find behind enemy lines.
Mines and explosives: To organize ambushes, special forces used MON-50 and MON-90 directional anti-personnel mines, as well as radio-controlled detonators.

Uniform: In addition to the standard "vertical" uniform, special forces used camouflage suits, the experimental KM-L (KLMK) camouflage, and commercial suits. On their feet, they wore only high-quality soft combat boots or even lightweight sneakers (for stealth in the mountains).
Load-bearing systems: Belt pouches were not used. Scouts wore "Chikom" vests (captured Afghan "bras"), "Poyas-A" series load-bearing systems, or 6Sh12 vests. This allowed the weight of ammunition and grenades to be distributed across the chest.
Body armor: During reconnaissance and search missions, body armor and heavy SSh-68 helmets were often not worn at all, as speed, ease of movement, and silence were prioritized. For assault operations, lightweight 6B3 body armor was worn.
Communications and optics: Special forces were equipped with R-392 radio stations or Motorola portable radios, night vision devices (NSPU) and powerful binoculars.

Raid and ambush in the "green" (Basic tactics in the mountains)

Reconnaissance and sabotage groups (RDG) set up ambushes on supply routes and caravan trails of militants coming from Georgia or Dagestan.
Stealthy Exit: The group advanced at night, on foot, without vehicles, bypassing the outposts. At the ambush site, the special forces carefully camouflaged themselves and could remain motionless for up to 24 hours.
Fire trap: After allowing a column or squad of militants to approach, the lead and rear vehicles were blown up with radio-controlled mines (MON-50). Then, VSS Vintorez silent rifles were fired (killing commanders and signalmen) and a barrage of PKM and AGS-17 fire was unleashed.
Instant withdrawal: The raid lasted no more than 3-5 minutes. After securing documents and captured weapons, the group immediately left before the militants could call in reserves or open mortar fire.

Free-hunting tactics and target designation

The GRU special forces served as the "eyes and ears" for heavy artillery and aviation.
Search for bases: Scouts penetrated deep into the rear of the CRI (Chechnya), finding hidden camps, weapons depots and radio stations.
Strike guidance: Without engaging in combat, the group transmitted precise coordinates via satellite or secure communications. The target was immediately attacked with Tochka-U missiles or Su-25 attack aircraft, after which the special forces recorded the results.

Counter-sniper warfare and night sweeps in cities

In Grozny, intelligence fought against mobile groups of Dudayev's supporters.
Sniper Hunt: Special forces teams took up positions in dilapidated buildings at the interface. Using night vision optics and silent Val missiles, they identified and eliminated Chechen snipers and spotters.
Night interception: Scouts blocked underground communications and breaches in the walls, eliminating the militants' messengers and saboteurs who were trying to get behind the motorized riflemen's lines.

The Su-25 "Grach": The war's main attack aircraft. It featured heavily armored cockpits. It was armed with a 30mm GSh-30-2 cannon, unguided rockets (S-8 and S-24), and high-explosive bombs (FAB-250/500). The "Grachs" carried out precision strikes against militant positions in the mountains and in Grozny. KAB-500KR precision-guided bombs and laser-guided Kh-25ML missiles were used to destroy Dudayev's underground bunkers.
Su-24M: Frontline bomber. Used to destroy large bases and bridges, including at night and in poor visibility.
Tu-22M3: Long-range bombers. Used for carpet bombing of Chechen strongholds in the highlands, beyond the range of militants' MANPADS.
Mi-24 "Krokodil": Attack helicopter. It performed close infantry support missions, hunted militant vehicles, and escorted convoys. It was armed with YakB-12.7 machine guns, cannons, unguided rocket pods, and Shturm-V anti-tank missiles.
Mi-8: A transport and attack helicopter. The main "workhorse" of the conflict: landing troops, delivering ammunition, and evacuating the wounded. Often armed with unguided rockets for self-defense.

Flight uniforms: Demi-season and summer cotton overalls or jackets with trousers ("crawlers") in blue or khaki were worn. Helicopter pilots often wore camouflage uniforms.
Protective helmets: Attack aircraft pilots used ZSh-5 or ZSh-7 helmets with oxygen masks. Helicopter crews used ZSh-3BV helicopter helmets or fabric helmet-mounted laryngophones for communication.
Body armor: Helicopter pilots, due to their high vulnerability to ground fire (DShK, small arms), often wore lightweight 6B3 body armor or specialized flight armor suits that protected the chest and back in a sitting position.
NAZ (Emergency Emergency Supplies): Stored in the parachute's harness, it included a first aid kit, dry rations, water, signaling equipment, and a personal weapon—a PM pistol or an AKS-74U assault rifle with extra ammunition, which were secured in the pilots' load-bearing vests.

Free-hunting tactics of helicopters (Mi-24)

This tactic became the main one for destroying mobile units of militants in the mountains and foothills.
Operating in pairs: Mi-24 helicopters always flew in pairs (leader-follower). They patrolled a designated area (roads, gorges) without being tied to coordinates, searching for targets independently.
Destroying convoys: Upon spotting Toyota jeeps with machine guns or ammunition trucks, the leader would approach the target and launch unguided rockets. The wingman would provide cover from above, monitor for MANPADS launches from the ground, and suppress enemy firing positions with cannon fire.

Escorting columns and "combing the greenery"

To secure the advance of motorized riflemen along mountain roads, aviation worked in close cooperation with ground forces.
Helicopter cover: A pair of Mi-24s flew at low altitude ahead of the column, 1–2 km away. They visually inspected road curves, bridges, and forested areas.
Preemptive strike: At the slightest suspicion of an ambush or upon a signal from the ground, helicopters launched a warning strike with missiles on the forested area, disrupting the militants' plans and giving the infantry time to deploy into battle formation.

Conducting precision strikes by attack aircraft (Su-25) from high altitudes

Due to the saturation of Chechen detachments with man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), attack aircraft have changed their flight profile.
Altitude Goal: To protect the aircraft, the Su-25 abandoned low-altitude attacks (strafing). Bomb and missile strikes were carried out from altitudes above 3,500–4,000 meters, beyond the reach of older Strela-2M MANPADS.
Use of heat flares: When approaching a target and exiting a dive, aircraft and helicopters continuously fired off false heat flares (LTS - "fireworks"), which led the militants' heat-guided missiles away.

The aircraft operated in pairs and flights: the lead aircraft attacked the target, while the wingman provided overhead cover against MANPADS. They operated on ground guidance or by "free hunting."

BTR-80: The main armored personnel carrier. It was prized more than army infantry fighting vehicles for its reliability, speed, and maneuverability on the streets of Grozny. A twin 14.5mm KPVT machine gun mount allowed it to penetrate the brick walls of militant shelters.
BMP-2: Also used by individual units (especially those in the Pacific Fleet). Their 30mm automatic cannons were indispensable for suppressing fire positions on the upper floors of buildings.
MT-LB (Motolyga): Used as tractors and ambulances. They were often equipped with homemade heavy machine guns or AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers.

AK-74 / AKS-74: Main assault rifles.
PKM and RPK-74: Machine guns for creating dense fire in street shootouts.
SVD: Sniper rifles were actively used in assault groups.
RPG-7, RPG-26 "Aglen" and RPO-A "Shmel": Marines took rocket weapons in huge quantities. "Shmel" flamethrowers became the main means of burning militants out of fortifications.

Uniform: They wore a black beret (in the rear) and camouflage (VSR-93 or butane). Their crowning glory was the black-striped naval vest worn under their tunic. Even during the heaviest winter battles, the Marines would ostentatiously unbutton their collars to reveal the vest.
Footwear: Unlike most motorized infantrymen, who wore boots, the marines were all wearing leather high boots, which made them much more mobile in the ruins of buildings.
Body armor: 6B5 flak jackets (often a naval version, with special flotation elements that served as additional shock absorbers on land) and SSh-68 steel helmets were used. Camouflage nets or camouflage covers were often pulled over the helmets.
Unloading: Unloading vests (Soviet and early commercial models) were widely used, as standard belt pouches made it difficult to quickly roll and storm buildings.

Assault Fist Tactics (Taking Buildings)

The Marines did not assault targets in disjointed formations. Battalions were divided into autonomous assault groups (reinforced platoons), within which operated assault teams of three or four.
Fire Stun: Before the infantry rushed in, BTR-80s or BMP-2s pounded the building's windows with a barrage of cannon fire. Simultaneously, Shmel flamethrowers and RPG-26 grenade launchers pounded the embrasures.
A daring breakthrough: Under cover of smoke screens, the assault team rapidly approached the building. F-1 grenades were thrown into the first-floor windows and basements, after which the marines rushed inside.
Initiative from below: Inside the building, squad leaders and sergeants acted independently without orders from above. After clearing a room, they immediately consolidated their position, threw identification badges (often black berets or striped shirts) out the windows to prevent friendly artillery from hitting them, and then exploited their success.

• Initiative from below: Inside the building, squad leaders and sergeants acted independently without orders from above. After clearing a room, they immediately consolidated their position, threw identification marks (often black berets or striped shirts) out the windows to prevent friendly artillery from hitting them, and then built on their success.

2. Layered Pie Tactics (Holding Positions)

Having captured a key facility (for example, the Main Post Office or the Council of Ministers building), the marines organized a circular defense that was extremely difficult for the militants to break through.
Floor distribution: Basements were used as shelters and ammunition storage areas. Decoy positions were set up on the ground floors. The main firing positions (PKM machine guns and SVD snipers) were located deep in rooms on the second and third floors to make them difficult to spot from the street. Rooftops were manned by GP-25 underbarrel grenade launcher crews to repel attacks from above.
Fire pockets between buildings: Marines intentionally left passages between buildings uncovered, luring groups of militants there and then destroying them at point-blank range with machine gun and armored personnel carrier crossfire.

Marines often went into the attack shouting "Hurray!" instead of "Hurray!"

Bulletproof vests: Both army series (6B3, 6B5) and departmental “Kora-1”, “Kora-2”, “Kirassa-3P” with titanium or steel plates were used.
Helmets: The majority of soldiers wore steel helmets SSh-68.
Uniform and camouflage: The most common were the army camouflage VSR-93 (“vertical”) and the cotton uniform “Afghanka”.
Unloading systems: Regular soldiers used the Soviet shoulder-belt system (RSS) with canvas pouches. Homemade rigs made from raincoats and captured "bras" were also common.

Assault rifles and pistols: The primary weapon was the AK-74, especially the AKS-74 with a folding stock. Officers carried the PM pistol, and elite soldiers carried the APS (Stechkin) automatic rifle.
Sniper and silent weapons: The standard was the SVD rifle.
Machine guns: Firepower was provided by the PKM and the less popular RPK-74 due to its caliber.
Grenade launchers and flamethrowers: Underbarrel GP-25 grenades, RPG-7 anti-tank rockets, and disposable Mukhi (RPG-18) were widely used. RPO-A Shmel rocket flamethrowers played a special role in urban combat, burning down enemy pillboxes.
Armored vehicles: They traveled in BTR-70, BTR-80, and BRDM-2 armored personnel carriers. Due to their weak RPG protection, the paratroopers always rode "on top of the armor" rather than inside. For fire support, "gun trucks" were created—Ural trucks with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns mounted in the back.

Checkpoints and commandant's service: The main mission of the Internal Troops. Checkpoints were set up at road intersections, entrances to populated areas, and bridges. Tactics revolved around all-round defense (dug-in armored personnel carriers, creating dugouts, mining approaches), vehicle inspections, and document checks ("passport regime") to identify militants.
"Sweeps" (passport checks): These were carried out in captured villages. Line units of the Internal Troops sealed off the village along the perimeter (outer ring), deploying equipment to prevent anyone from leaving. OMON, SOBR, or special forces then entered the village. The Internal Troops conscripts' job was to maintain the cordon and prevent militant breakthroughs.
Escorting and protecting columns: Delivering ammunition and provisions. Internal Troops tactics included riding BTR-70/80 armored personnel carriers at the head and tail of the column, as well as using improvised "gun trucks" (trucks equipped with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns) to suppress fire positions. During an ambush, vehicles were quickly driven off the road under smoke cover and then engaged in heavy suppressive fire.
Defense of temporary deployment points (TDPs): Internal Troops regiments were based on the outskirts of cities or former state farms. Defense tactics revolved around creating a fortified perimeter with barbed wire, flares, and 24-hour patrols of "secret" (hidden firing positions outside the camp).

The main problems of tactics:
Line units lacked experience coordinating with army aviation and the Ministry of Defense's heavy artillery. Due to the weak firepower of the Internal Troops' infantry, they had to rely on attached tanks or call in army artillery fire when assaulting fortified positions, which in 1995 often led to delays and losses.

Heavy assault helmets: The primary helmets for special forces became the titanium "Sphere" (STSh-81) and steel "Maska-1" (with a solid or slit visor). Weighing up to 3.5 kg, they protected the head from pistol bullets and shrapnel in close combat.
High-end bulletproof vests: The "Kirassa-3P" / "Kirassa-5" and "Kora-3" vests were used, providing protection against machine-gun bullets thanks to titanium or steel armor plates. For concealed wear (in the SOBR), "visit" vests were used.
Experimental camouflage: Instead of the standard "vertical" pattern, special forces wore "Kamysh" patterns (green and gray "urban"), "Nut" and "Shadow" camouflage, as well as solid black assault suits (for SOBR/OMON) made of fire-resistant materials.

Vests "Otter-3M" and the "Vera" series (M-1, M-2): Had numerous pockets for AK magazines, grenades and radios.
"ANA" unloading vests (model B95): Made of durable synthetics and allowed for even distribution of the ammunition load.
Trophies: Chechen and Afghan "bras" (chest harnesses) were widely used due to their convenience when operating in the mountains and forests.

Internal Troops special forces began to widely and successfully use 9mm AS Val silent assault rifles and VSS Vintorez sniper rifles. Their subsonic bullets (SP-5 and SP-6) easily penetrated militants' body armor and were indispensable in ambushes.
Unlike the line units, the special forces deliberately kept the old AKM and AKMS in their arsenal, since their heavy bullets did not ricochet off branches in the greenery.
The standard PM was considered weak, so soldiers preferred the automatic APS (Stechkin) with a 20-round magazine or the PB silent pistol, which was rare at the time.
GP-25 underbarrel grenade launchers were attached to the assault rifles. For assaulting fortified buildings, special forces carried RPO-A Shmel rocket flamethrowers and RPG-22/26 disposable rocket launchers.
Communication equipment: Unlike bulky army radios, the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were equipped with compact imported radios (for example, Motorola, Standard).

Reconnaissance and search operations (RSO) in the "green zone": Searching for militant camps, bases, and hideouts in wooded and mountainous areas. The special forces operated in small groups (platoons, squads), moving covertly to a designated area. If the enemy was detected, the group did not engage in a protracted battle, but instead directed artillery or aircraft, or set up an ambush.
Ambush operations: They were set up along the likely routes of small groups of militants, weapons caravans, or inter-village liaisons. The element of surprise was exploited: the militants were allowed to approach within striking distance (up to 50 meters), destroyed with the first volleys (including underbarrel grenade launchers and VSS/Val silent missile systems), after which the group immediately retreated.
Assaulting fortified buildings and strongpoints: In urban combat (Grozny, Argun), Internal Troops special forces were used as the strike force. Assault subgroups were formed. Tactics included blocking the building from the outside, clearing passages with RPGs or targeted explosions, and rapidly searching rooms ("clearing") under the cover of shields and heavy Sfera/Mask helmets. Shmel flamethrowers were actively used to burn out firing points in basements and pillboxes.
Targeted special operations: Detention or elimination of gang leaders in populated areas. The operation was prepared in the strictest secrecy. Special forces would covertly block a specific house (often at night), conduct a lightning assault, confiscate documents and weapons, and immediately evacuate before nearby militants could react.
Ensuring the security of the command and the release of hostages: Special forces were called in to protect key generals (JV headquarters) and to carry out complex unblocking strikes if regular units were surrounded.

Blue-gray camouflage: The signature pattern of the OMON riot police of those years was the "Kamysh" and "Shadow" patterns in blue and light blue tones. Designed for city streets, in Chechnya this uniform was highly undistinguished against the greenery and dirt. OMON riot police tried to replace it with green army camouflage (VSR-93) or commercial green systems.
Heavy body armor: Unlike the Internal Troops' special forces, which conducted long raids, OMON operations were brief (searching a neighborhood, checking documents). Soldiers wore heavy "Kirassa-3P/5" and "Kora-1/2" body armor with thick steel plates. They also wore titanium "Sfera" (STSh-81) helmets and steel "Maska-1" helmets with visors.

The AK-74 and AKS-74 assault rifles formed the basis of the riot police. RPK-74 light machine guns were used as support weapons at checkpoints. Silent VSS Vintorez machine guns were extremely rare in OMON in 1995.
Most OMON fighters retained the standard Makarov pistol (PM) as their personal weapon.
Special equipment and grenade launchers: OMON actively used GP-25 "Koster" underbarrel grenade launchers. They also used KS-23 pump-action shotguns (23mm Special Carbine), which in Chechnya were loaded not with rubber bullets, but with live fragmentation or barricade grenades to destroy vehicles and light shelters.

"Sweeps" (passport checks): The main task of the riot police. The tactics were honed to the point of automatism. Army units or regular internal troops sealed off the village with a tight outer ring. The riot police split into inspection groups (5-7 people each) and entered. The soldiers systematically went through each house, checking documents, searching basements, attics, and gardens for weapons caches, tripwires, and hiding militants.
Manning checkpoints and checkpoints: OMON riot police set up checkpoints at administrative borders, city entrances, and key intersections. Their tactics consisted of total screening: searching personal belongings, checking vehicle body and component markings, and checking citizens against suspect lists. When an attack on a checkpoint occurred, OMON riot police established a perimeter defense within fortified pillboxes and held their positions until an armored group of Internal Troops arrived.
Patrolling and curfew in cities: In cities occupied by federal forces, OMON served as military police. Troops patrolled the streets on foot or in armored personnel carriers, preventing looting, detaining curfew violators, and identifying militant liaisons and spotters.
Escort and protection of facilities: OMON provided security for civil administrations, pre-trial detention centers, temporary accommodation centers, and also escorted convoys carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials.
The main feature of tactics:
The OMON was not designed for traditional combined arms combat. If, during a clearing operation, the group encountered organized and heavy resistance from militants (pillboxes, fortified positions), the OMON troops retreated. According to tactical instructions, they were supposed to seal off the pocket of resistance and transmit coordinates to army artillery, tanks, or special forces, and only after suppressing the fire continue the search.

Black and urban camouflage: In Grozny, SOBR officers often wore solid-color black or dark green assault suits made of dense, flame-retardant fabric, as well as "Shadow" or "Nut" camouflage. Later, for camouflage in the suburbs, officers purchased army cotton camouflage ("vertical" or "Afghanka") at their own expense or through their units.
Maximum armor protection: Since the SOBR was at the forefront of the building assault, the emphasis was on heavy point-blank protection. They wore "Kirassa-5," "Kora-3," and "Modul" body armor (up to protection class 5-6). Head protection was provided by titanium "Sfera" (STSh-81) helmets and steel "Maska-1" helmets with a heavy, retractable visor.
"ANA" B95, "Otter"

SOBR possessed the largest number of AS Val assault rifles and VSS Vintorez 9x39mm sniper rifles. They were ideal for covertly eliminating snipers and militant firing positions in urban areas.
For close-quarters combat, the compact PP-91 "Kedr" and "Kiparis" assault rifles, as well as the compact 9A-91 submachine guns, were widely used. The AKS-74U or classic AK-74M remained the primary assault rifle.
Short-barreled weapons: Instead of the PM, SOBR officers generally preferred the Stechkin automatic pistol (APS) for its accuracy, soft recoil, and large 20-round magazine.
The SOBR had almost no machine guns (PKM) or heavy grenade launchers of its own. Firepower was supplemented by underbarrel GP-25 rocket launchers, RPO-A Shmel single-use rocket flamethrowers, and captured weapons.

Targeted assault and seizure of fortified positions: While riot police were blocking and searching neighborhoods, SOBR was called in to areas where militants were putting up fierce resistance. The tactic was based on rapidly "breaking" the building's defenses. The team used assault shields and heavy helmets with visors. Doors and walls were blown open with explosive charges, flashbangs and fragmentation grenades were thrown in, after which SOBR officers entered the premises in pairs, delivering heavy fire from small arms (9A-91, Kedr) and APS.
Counter-sniper operations in the city: In ruined Grozny, SOBR officers effectively hunted Chechen snipers. Using VSS Vintorez silent rifles and AS Val assault rifles, officers located enemy hideouts, stealthily took up positions in dilapidated buildings, and eliminated the shooters without revealing their own position.
Ambushes and night raids: SOBR often operated at night, when militants' vigilance was lower. Using night vision goggles and silent weapons, the teams set ambushes along the routes of Dudayev's command staff, liaison officers, and mining teams.
Rescuing hostages and capturing illegal armed group leaders is a key specialty of the SOBR unit. Operations were conducted based on intelligence. Tactics required absolute synchronicity: a simultaneous assault from multiple directions (through windows, roofs, and doors), immediate suppression of resistance, and evacuation of the targeted individuals.
Fire support from ambushes during "clean-ups": While riot police marched down the street, SOBR teams moved stealthily in parallel along rooftops or courtyards, ready to instantly destroy the militants' ambush with a flank attack.
The main feature of tactics:
The SOBR operated on a "hit and run" principle. They weren't designed for holding positions or trench warfare. After completing the task of destroying a specific resistance group or capturing militants, the unit would hand over the target to internal troops or riot police and immediately disengage to prepare for the next targeted operation.

Armor protection: Heavy assault body armor of high protection class "Visit-M", "Kirassa-5" and rare modifications "Redut" with large-area fabric screens and steel/titanium plates were used.
Helmets: The standard for assault groups remained the titanium "Sphere" (STSh-81) and steel "Maska-1" (including the "Maska-1SCh" version with a slit visor).
Camouflage: FSB special forces were notable for their complete lack of uniformity. They wore the military-issue VSR-93 (vertical), commercial "Sneg"/"Kukla" suits in an undergrowth pattern, as well as imported German Flecktarn and Swiss Alpenflage camouflage. For urban assaults, they wore heavy black or dark blue overalls.
Load-bearing systems: Popular were the "Vydra" vest, early systems from NPO SM, and hard-to-find imported vests (such as the American Safariland). In Chechnya, captured Afghan "bras" were often worn for their convenience.

FSB special forces made extensive and highly effective use of 9x39mm caliber weapons—AS Val silent assault rifles and VSS Vintorez sniper rifles. Their heavy, subsonic bullets easily penetrated terrorists' body armor and helmets at ranges of up to 200–400 meters.
The main assault rifles are the AK-74 and AKS-74. FSB special forces were among the first to receive the new AK-74M, with a polymer folding stock and a rail for night vision optics. Older AKMs and AKMSs were also highly prized.
In addition to the standard PM, the FSB was massively armed with Stechkin automatic pistols (APS), as well as the SR-1 Vector (future Gyurza / SPS), prototypes of which had already been tested in special forces.
In addition to the SVD and VSS, the FSB special forces used large-caliber rifles (including the first models of the V-94) to engage targets behind cover and light armored vehicles.
Under-barrel grenade launchers GP-25, rocket-propelled flamethrowers RPO-A "Shmel" and heavy bulletproof armor shields (for example, "Zabor") were used, behind which the assault trio took cover.
FSB officers were equipped with imported Motorola radios.

Deep reconnaissance and ambushes in the "green zone": Small autonomous groups (10-12 people) were covertly inserted by helicopter into the militants' rear. Using night vision optics and camouflage, they located bases, caches, and communication centers. Having located the target, the special forces either directed the Ministry of Defense aircraft or set up an ambush, eliminating the illegal armed group leaders with silent weapons (VSS, Val) and immediately retreated.
Complex assaults and hostage rescues: A tragic example was Budyonnovsk (June 1995). The Alpha team's hospital assault tactics demonstrated effectiveness under extreme conditions: the soldiers advanced under heavy fire across an open field, protected by heavy armor shields. Despite a command halt to the assault, Alpha drove the terrorists from the first floor and forced them to negotiate.
Counter-sniper hunting and high-altitude assault: In ruined Grozny, FSB officers practiced "free hunting" tactics. They occupied commanding heights, identifying enemy snipers by flares and radio intercepts. When storming buildings, FSB teams led the way, blasting holes in walls with dummy charges and clearing rooms in seconds.
Lightning-fast, targeted operations: Operations were prepared based on intelligence and radio direction finding. Special forces would arrive covertly (often at night), seal off the house in minutes, neutralize the guards, and seize the field commander or archives before militants from neighboring areas could react.
The main principle of tactics: meticulous stealth, a surprise first strike, and immediate withdrawal. FSB special forces never engaged in protracted trench warfare. In case of complications, the group called in artillery fire or an armored cover group from the Ministry of Defense/Internal Troops to secure an evacuation corridor.

GAZ-66, ZIL-131, Ural-4320, KamAZ-4310: The main workhorses of the supply line. The "Shishiga" (GAZ-66) was unpopular due to the explosive position of the cab directly above the wheel. KamAZ and Ural trucks were prized for their durability.
UAZ-452 ("Loaf") and UAZ-469: Used by headquarters, medics, special rapid response units (SOBR) and reconnaissance for the rapid transfer of small groups.
BTR-70 and BTR-80: The primary transport for the Internal Troops and Special Purpose Police (OMON). The BTR-80 was prized for its diesel engine (as opposed to the fire-prone twin gasoline engines on the BTR-70) and convenient side hatches. Due to the vulnerability of the sides to RPGs, paratroopers almost always rode "on the armor."
BRDM-2: Wheeled reconnaissance vehicle, used by OMON and Internal Troops at checkpoints as a mobile machine gun position.
BMP-1 and BMP-2: Tracked vehicles used by the Ministry of Defense and some Internal Troops units. The BMP-2, with its 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, was indispensable in cities and mountains thanks to its high elevation angle (up to 74°), allowing it to mow down the upper floors of buildings and ambushes on slopes.
T-72A, T-72B, and T-80BV tanks: The army's main battery. The gas-turbine-powered T-80 demonstrated its vulnerability in Grozny due to the ammunition compartment's unique placement, which exploded when the tank's sides were penetrated. The T-72 was considered more reliable.

"Gantraks" (ZUs): 23mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns were welded permanently onto the backs of trucks (Ural or KamAZ). This provided tremendous firepower for suppressing ambushes and clearing green areas. The cabs of these trucks were lined with steel plates and bulletproof vests.
Improvised armor: The sides of armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and Ural truck cabins were lined with boxes of sand, logs, spare wheels, and tracks. This was believed to reduce the cumulative effect of an RPG shot (though more often it only protected against shrapnel and bullets).
Anti-cumulative grids: Metal mesh bed nets or homemade grids made from rebar were welded to the sides of the vehicles to ensure that the RPG grenade would be destroyed before it exploded.

1. Engineering reconnaissance patrol (ERP): This patrol moved several kilometers or hundreds of meters ahead. It consisted of sappers, infantry, and armored personnel carriers/infantry fighting vehicles. The soldiers combed the roadsides on foot, checking bridges, culverts, and asphalt with mine detectors and probes for planted explosive devices.
2. Lead patrol (LP): Followed the sappers. Typically, this was a platoon in a BMP-2 or BTR-80. Their task was to be the first to engage the enemy, expose the militants' ambush, and engage them with fire, giving the main force time to deploy.
3. The core (main body of the column): The supply trucks (KamAZ, Ural) carrying ammunition, fuel (tankers), and provisions. The vehicles traveled at a strictly defined distance (usually 25–50 meters apart).
4. Covering Echelon (Distributed Armor): Armored vehicles (infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers) and gun trucks (Ural trucks with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns) did not move in a single mass; they were spread out along the entire length of the core. For every 3-5 trucks, there was always one combat vehicle ready to provide covering fire.
5. Rear marching outpost (RMO): The rear of the column. Consisting of armored vehicles, it protected the rear from follow-up attacks.
6. Recovery and technical assistance group: Came at the very end. It included heavy-duty trucks (BREMs) and spare parts trucks. Their task was to immediately tow damaged or broken-down vehicles off the road to keep the convoy from stalling. A strict rule from 1995: a stalled convoy is a dead convoy.

Troop movement "on armor": Due to the high density of RPG fire, soldiers never rode inside APCs and BMPs. Only the driver and gunner remained inside. The entire troop sat on top of the hull. In the event of an explosion or shelling, this allowed the soldiers to instantly disembark, disperse, and return fire, rather than being burned alive inside a jammed vehicle.
Fire sweeps ("greenery"): While moving through dangerous areas (dense brush, forest along the road), APC/IFV machine gunners and infantry "on armor" fired preemptively into the bushes without a visible target. Bursts from PKM and 2A42 automatic cannons tore down tripwires, destroyed the concealed positions of grenade launchers, and prevented militants from emerging for a well-aimed shot.
Guntruck tactics: ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns mounted on Ural trucks proved to be the most effective means of protecting convoys. Thanks to their incredible rate of fire and high elevation angle, they instantly mowed down ambushes on the upper floors of buildings in Grozny or on mountain slopes in gorges. The ZU literally chopped down the trees behind which militants were hiding.
Ambush procedures: These were practiced until they became automatic. Undamaged vehicles were not allowed to stop—truck drivers would accelerate and exit the fire zone ("greenery") at maximum speed. Armored vehicles, on the other hand, would turn toward the enemy, lay a smoke screen (Tucha system), and open heavy fire. Knocked-out vehicles blocking the road were immediately pushed into a ditch by tanks or armored recovery vehicles.
Helicopter escort: Large and important supply columns in the spring and summer of 1995 were always provided with air cover by pairs of Mi-24 "Crocodile" attack helicopters. The helicopters flew parallel to the column's route, burning out suspicious areas with unguided rockets.

The main weapons were Soviet AK-74, AKM, AKMS, PKM light machine guns, and APS pistols. The heavy 7.62mm caliber was prized in the forests for its bullet penetration. The Borz submachine gun was also a common homemade weapon, but it wasn't used by the elite.
SVDs and the first captured VSS Vintorez silenced rifles were widely used. Foreign volunteers (including the UNA-UNSO from Ukraine and mercenaries from Arab countries) often brought with them or received through Turkey high-quality Western hunting and target rifles with powerful commercial optics.
Anti-tank fist: The main weapons of war are the RPG-7 and disposable RPG-18/22.
Equipment: There was no standard uniform. Abkhazian veterans wore captured Georgian camouflage; UNA-UNSO volunteers wore army kits, civilian clothes, and Mazepinkas with tridents; Islamists (IBON) wore black or NATO uniforms (Woodland/DPM) and armbands with Arabic script. Pakistani and captured "bra" vests were used instead of Soviet ammunition pouches. Helmets and body armor were rarely used due to mobility in the mountains.

Tactics:
Focal defense "in an embrace": In Grozny, the city was divided into sectors, converting capital buildings into fortifications. Militants allowed Russian armored columns to approach at point-blank range (up to 50 meters) and fired at close range, depriving Russian artillery and aircraft of the opportunity to retaliate without risking friendly fire.
Salvo fire from RPGs: 3-5 grenade launchers fired simultaneously at a single Russian armored personnel carrier or tank from different angles (at the side, rear, under the turret), completely burning out the armored vehicle.
Mine and counter-sniper warfare: Ukrainian and Arab mercenaries specialized in sniper terror [4] and radio-controlled roadside bombs. Snipers practiced the "wounded man" tactic: first wounding a Russian soldier, then methodically killing those who tried to save him.
Mobile ambushes and gun trucks: Civilian Toyota pickup trucks with heavy DShK machine guns [1] or mortars in their backs carried out quick strikes on checkpoints [3] and immediately retreated into the mountains before the artillery shelling began.