VITEBSK, 3 May (BelTA) – A commemorative eventdedicated to the 81st anniversary of breaking the enemy’s blockade by partisans of the Polotsk-Lepel zone during the Great Patriotic War was held at the Proryv [Defense Advancement ] Memorial in Ushachi District.
The Polotsk-Lepel partisan zone was one of the largest partisan zones covering more than 3,000 square kilometers. In December 1943 - February 1944 the German fascist invaders made five fruitless attempts to clear their rear from the partisans.In the spring of 1944, two punitive operations were undertaken. Heavy unequal fighting lasted for almost 25 days.
The Polotsk-Lepel partisan zone was one of the largest partisan zones covering more than 3,000 square kilometers. In December 1943 - February 1944 the German fascist invaders made five fruitless attempts to clear their rear from the partisans.In the spring of 1944, two punitive operations were undertaken. Heavy unequal fighting lasted for almost 25 days.
On the night from 4 to 5 May, partisan units led by the future Hero of the Soviet Union Vladimir Lobanok broke through the blockade and fought the enemy until the Soviet Army approached. More than 15,000 civilians were liberated then.
Photos by Aleksandr Khitrov/BelTA
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