Russia has begun construction of concrete structures known as “dragon’s teeth” around the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, the British Ministry of Defense reported.
According to the British, Russia is stepping up efforts to slow the advance of Ukrainian forces on key areas it defends, including around the destroyed Mariupol.
There, Russian forces use two factories to produce large quantities of “dragon’s teeth” – pyramidal concrete blocks designed to slow the advance of military vehicles.
Most likely, such “dragon’s teeth” structures were installed between Mariupol and the village of Nikolske and from the north of the city of Mariupol to the village of Stary Krym in the Donetsk region, the British Ministry of Defense reports.
The installation of the “dragon’s teeth” is the latest evidence of the significant efforts made by Russian forces to prepare as strong a defense as possible behind the current front line in order to prevent the rapid advance of Ukrainian troops.
The Institute for the Study of War also noted the continuation of Russia’s efforts to improve defenses in southern Ukraine, writes The Guardian.
What are “Dragon’s Teeth”
Russia also used “dragon’s teeth” — a World War II tactic — in Luhansk region, according to satellite images released last month.
The Russians are creating a line of defense in Luhansk region that resembles the times of the Second World War. The line of defense consists of two rows of “dragon’s teeth”, followed by a trench, probably designed to stop vehicles, and then firing positions for infantry and equipment.
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— Benjamin Pittet (@COUPSURE) October 12, 2022
“Dragon’s Teeth” are small reinforced concrete fortifications first built during World War II to counter tanks and mechanized infantry. Their purpose was to slow down combat vehicles and “bring” them to specially prepared areas where they could be easily attacked by anti-tank weapons.
Germany especially used this tactic on the Siegfried Line in the west of the country, the German equivalent of the French Maginot Line. The fortifications, however, were unable to stop the Allied armies after the Normandy landings and the offensive in Germany that followed the liberation of France.
The construction of the “dragon’s teeth” was largely abandoned after the Second World War, but in some of its strategic areas Switzerland continues to maintain such fortifications to this day, also known as “Toblerone lines” due to the row placement of the structures, which resembles the shape of the famous Swiss chocolate.
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Source: Hot News RO
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