A sniper of Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade takes a position during a reconnaissance mission, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near Bakhmut, Ukraine September 7, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 17 (Reuters) - The general in command of Ukraine's ground forces said on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had recaptured the eastern village of Klishchiivka on the southern flank of Bakhmut, which the Russians claimed control of in January. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also confirmed on Telegram that the village was recaptured in heavy fighting by the "Liut" national police united assault brigade, the 80th airborne assault brigade and the 5th assault brigade. The Ukrainian military said earlier on Sunday that Kyiv's troops "achieved success in the Klishchiivka district of the Donetsk region, forcing the enemy out of their positions." Ukrainian military analysts said this week the liberation of settlements near Bakhmut would allow the military to advance from the southern flank in the Bakhmut area, gaining control of the heights.

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Persons: Stringer, Klishchiivka, Alexander Syrskyi, Ihor Klymenko, Andriy Yermak, Yermak, Bakhmut, Pavel Polityuk, Elaine Monaghan, Louise Heavens, Christina Fincher Organizations: Assault Brigade, REUTERS, Reuters, Bakhmut, Ukrainian, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Bakhmut, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, Ukrainian, Donetsk