This short clip is provided by the Raven Group, which is a volunteer unit that provides artillery fire support for the Ukrainian Intelligence Directorate's Timur Special Operations unit. The Raven group is shown here firing and moving with a 155-millimeter howitzer in Kharkiv.

"Timur" is one of several Special Operations units which fall under the Ukrainian Intelligence Directorate (abbreviated as GUR or HUR), and in particular, Timur has been shown to have an "anytime, anywhere" role, having been in continuous operations as near to the front as Vovchansk and as far away as Sudan.

The Raven Group is one of the supporting elements that help the GUR troops punch above their weight class. They're shown here with an M77 155-millimeter howitzer. It's likely that this piece is US-donated, as America has donated 126 of them, with six from Australia and a further four from Canada. The M777 reportedly outranges both Ukrainian domestic and Russian artillery, and has therefore enjoyed great success, but it has come at cost. It's reported that as of the end of May 2024, between 94 and 96 M777's have been destroyed, six damaged and one captured. Most of these have been destroyed and damaged via ZALA drones, heightening the need to shoot-and-scoot, shown here.

Jury's out as to why the "Raven" Group's logo is, apparently, an owl.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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