SIX BATTLE ZONES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 88, 23 January 1943, Page 3

SIX BATTLE ZONES.

RUSSIANS ADVANCE ON ARMAVIR PROGRESS NORTH OF ROSTOV. LONDON, January 22. A communique issued at Moscow at mid-day says that the Red Army continued its attacks during the night in six battle zones, from the Baltic to the Black Sea. In the northern Caucasus the Soviet forces which captured Voroshilovsk are thrusting across the Kuban plains toward Armavir, where the oil line from Tuapse, on the Black sea, joins the Rostov-Groznyi oil line. About 100 miles farther north, Soviet forces are reported to be two miles from Salsk, and a correspondent says that the distance is being reduced hourly.

The Russian columns which crossed the Donets are pushing down toward the railway junction of Likhaya, 50 miles duo north of Rostov. About 100 miles north-west of Rostov, Russian columns arc converging on Voroshilovgrad, menacing the Germans in the lower Donets area. Three Russian columns arc closing in on Voroshilovgrad. One of them is only 20 miles away. Farther north, the column which took B.velovodsk on Wednesday, is threatening the big town, and railway station of Starobyelsk. The Russian .advance in the Caucasus is continuing with clock-like precision. Nevinomysknya was taken ion Wednesday by a double thrust. In the Voronezh area the Russians are tightening the ring round a big enemy force which has suffered severely in trying to break out. South of Voronezh the Russian thrust is developing powerfully. The enemy forces which have, been on the run are being steadily wiped out and guns and prisoners have been taken Many trainloads of supplies have fallen into Russian hands.