OSCE SMM Spot Report 24/2021: SMM camera system near government-controlled Hranitne, Donetsk region, damaged due to shelling

At 10:45 on 2 November, the SMM arrived at its camera site near Hranitne (government-controlled, 60km south of Donetsk) to conduct scheduled camera maintenance. Upon arrival at the camera site, the Mission saw damage to the system. There were about ten holes in the camera’s metal casing and plastic parts of the outdoor electrical panel lying on the ground. On the cabin housing of a trailer-mounted camera system, the SMM observed one hole, one scratch and five pieces of shrapnel lying on top of it. There were also holes and dents on the trailer’s chassis. The fuel gauge cable of the diesel generator was severed and an unidentified metal object lay underneath the trailer. One impact hole was seen 1.5m from the trailer, near the metal fence surrounding the camera site. All the above-mentioned damage was assessed as recent and caused by probable shelling. The Mission could not assess the type of weapon used or the direction of fire.

The SMM did not observe any damage to the camera system’s three cameras, which all remain operational.

The SMM again notes that technical assets are an inseparable part of the Mission’s operational infrastructure; as such they are included in the specification of OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas, including by technical means, is essential to ensure the effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.