FACT CHECK: Post Claims To Show ATACMS Strikes On Russian Pontoon Bridges In Kursk
A video shared on social media claims to show U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) strikes on pontoon bridges in Kursk, Russia, but this claim has been deemed misleading. The U.S. restricts Ukraine from utilizing ATACMS within recognized Russian territory. Ukrainian forces have reported their strategic movements to encircle approximately 3,000 Russian troops near a river in the Kursk region, specifically targeting pontoon bridges. The original video, linked to by the Ukrainian Special Forces, does not assert that ATACMS were used, instead highlighting the effective engagement of enemy engineering equipment by special operations forces. The video’s description clarifies that only HIMARS munitions were employed, with a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Armed Forces emphasizing the importance of sourcing information from official channels. Experts have noted that M31 GMLRS rockets were likely used in the strikes depicted in the video.
A video shared on X claims to show Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) strikes on pontoon bridges in Kursk.
HIMARS GMLRS and ATACMS strikes on Russian pontoon crossings in Kursk region. pic.twitter.com/Hf8liYxhAt
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 21, 2024
Verdict: Misleading
There is no evidence that Ukraine is using ATACMS in Kursk. The U.S. prohibits Ukraine from using the missile within recognized Russian territory.
Fact Check:
Ukrainian troops say they are moving to encircle around 3,000 Russian troops near a river in the Kursk Oblast, according to The Wall Street Journal. This is after they have targeted pontoon bridges and other equipment, the outlet reported.
Social media users are claiming to show HIMAR strikes that include ATACMS against Russian pontoon bridges. One user wrote, “HIMARS GMLRS and ATACMS strikes on Russian pontoon crossings in Kursk region.”
This claim is misleading. Check Your Fact found that the original video does not claim it was ATACMS strikes. The original video was posted to YouTube by the Ukrainian Special Forces.
“The video shows the effective engagement of enemy engineering equipment in the Kursk region by the Special Operations Forces operators, as well as the detection and correction of fire from the HIMARS on bridges and pontoon crossings,” reads the video description.
A spokesperson from the Main Directorate of Public Communications of the Armed Forces of Ukraine told Check Your Fact to [p]lease take information only from official sources!!! Only HIMARS!”
John Ridge, a contributor at Tochnyi, said the strikes show M31 GMLRS and M30AO with DPCIM submunitions.
The first pontoon bridge is east of Glushkovo. It is targeted by at least three M31 GMLRS. The apparent dispersion is likely a consequence of Russian GPS denial.
The second bridge is east of Zvannoye. It is targeted by at least two M30A0 GMLRS, dispensing DPICM submunitions. https://t.co/UVhrFQtDlR pic.twitter.com/XMs6LN57yC
— John Ridge 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 (@John_A_Ridge) August 21, 2024
“The first pontoon bridge is east of Glushkovo. It is targeted by at least three M31 GMLRS. The apparent dispersion is likely a consequence of Russian GPS denial. The second bridge is east of Zvannoye. It is targeted by at least two M30A0 GMLRS, dispensing DPICM submunitions,” Ridge wrote.
Furthermore, Ukraine is not allowed to use ATACMS within Russia itself, according to Politico. This is not counting Crimea, which is internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory despite being illegally annexed by Russia.
“We’re not considering allowing Ukraine to use ATACMS to fire into Russia. And I think there’s been a misconception there as well about whether or not ATACMS would help Ukraine defend against the challenges posed by Russian glide bombs,” a Biden administration official told Politico.
Check Your Fact reached out to the Department of Defense and the National Security Council for comment.
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