Concrete anti-tank barriers, known as “dragon’s teeth,” are reportedly causing fatal accidents in Russia’s Kursk region, where military personnel and civilians alike have crashed into the barriers, according to Russian military bloggers and local sources. These obstacles, intended to stop Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles, have instead created chaos for Russian troops and civilians, leading to confusion and criticism of military leadership.
According to reports on Russian channels, “someone” has been placing dragon’s teeth (concrete anti-tank obstacles) on roads in the Kursk region at night. These roads are used by Russian soldiers attempting to flee from Ukrainian FPV drones. It’s claimed that within 24 hours, 40… pic.twitter.com/NJ9P9cHFge
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) October 14, 2024
The “dragon’s teeth” barriers, standing about four feet tall, are reinforced concrete pyramids typically used to impede the movement of enemy mechanized forces. However, according to reports cited by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the poorly placed barriers have led to numerous deadly incidents as drivers traveling at high speeds to avoid Ukrainian drone attacks encountered the unexpected obstructions on dark roads. Telegram channels and Russian hardliners have reported dozens of deaths and injuries from crashes involving the barriers in a single day, with some vehicles hitting the obstacles while traveling as fast as 90 miles per hour.
The Troika Telegram channel claimed that more than 40 people were killed and an equal number injured in a 24-hour period due to these accidents. Many of the crashes occurred at night, with no advance warning for drivers. Reports also indicated that a Russian first responder crashed into one of the obstacles while driving an evacuation vehicle.
Consequences of a car collision with dragon’s teeth in the Kursk region. The vehicle overturned. https://t.co/4RjBioXamp pic.twitter.com/kOLm3dLBE4
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) October 17, 2024
Several Russian military bloggers have criticized the mismanagement of the situation, blaming poor coordination between Russian commanders, local law enforcement, and engineering troops for the deadly consequences. Some speculated that the barriers were placed by saboteurs to deliberately create chaos. Others pointed to general incompetence within the Russian military, with commanders failing to properly communicate with troops and local authorities about the placement of these barriers, exacerbating the danger.
While some accounts suggest the barriers were the work of saboteurs, others believe the mishaps are the result of poor decision-making by Russian commanders. Throughout the war, Russian military leaders have been criticized by nationalist bloggers and analysts for inefficiency and disorganization. These latest incidents have only added to the chorus of complaints about the state of Russia’s military command.
The Russian government has yet to officially comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the ISW reported that the placement of the barriers underscores the continued confusion within Russian defensive operations, particularly in areas close to the front lines, where communication between various military and civilian entities remains severely lacking.
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