11:11 Feb. 10, 2015 Ukraine's Azov Battalion reports advances in operation to liberate Azov Sea coastline

Surprise Ukrainian offensive claims to have liberated a number of villages in direction of Novoazovsk

Ukraine's volunteer Azov Battalion has announced on its Facebook page that the battalion has begun military operations to liberate the Ukrainian Azov sea coastal strip towards Novoazovsk.

Since the operation began in the early hours of February 10, Azov Battalion officials claim to have liberated the villages of Pavlopil, Komiternovo and Shirokino.

Azov Battalion troops have posted photos from liberated villages, including images of local administration buildings, in order to add credibility to their claims.

Update: Ukraynska Pravda reports that Ukrainian National Security Defence Council Oleksandr Turchinov is directing the operation and is located near Mariupol.