MOSIR THE KEY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 11, 14 January 1944, Page 5

MOSIR THE KEY

PRIPET MARSHES AREA Russians Hold Four-fifths Of Ukraine Lines "N.Z. Press Association —Copyright Rec. 10 a.m. LONDON. Jan. 13. The Russians' new break-through in White Russia is rapidly developing and spearheads are within five miles of Mosir, key to the central Pripet Marshes, says Reuters correspondent in Moscow. This force, thrusting up from the south-cast, is nearing the left bank of the Pripet

River. Another more powerful unit is moving against Mosir from the north-east in a steady outflanking movement, advancing down the railway from Jlobin. It was last reported 15 miles north-north-east of Mosir. One report says Russian troops north of Sarny are within 40 miles of Pinsk. If they reach Pinsk or cut the railway between Pinsk and Mosir the Germans in the Pripet Marshes will be forced into an almost trackless wilderness with no other means of suppiy or retreat. The thrust in the region of Mosir, a German base on the Pripet River, was started two days ago. After a preliminary softening by artillery, infantry and tanks went over to the attack. The Germans have counterattacked repeatedly in an effort to hold the offensive, which is cutting across their scanty rail communications through the marshes. The Russian attack seems to be aimed between Mosir and a point 70 miles to the north. - One of the places stormed is about 20 miles above Mosir. , . The forces engaged in this new offensive are small compared with those on other fronts. Advances are possible for the most part only bv minor roads, and then it is a task f6r small groups to outflank or encircle stubborn enemy garrisons. Earlier this winter General Rokossovsky's forces fought their way to within a few miles of Mosir before they were halted by the mud. The going now is easier. ■