Ukrainian special forces fought in close combat with Russian fighters to reclaim the oil rig near Crimea

(Dan Tri) – Ukrainian forces announced that they had regained control of several oil and gas rigs controlled by Russia near Crimea.

Russian warship moves near Crimea bridge (Photo: Reuters).

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) announced on September 11 that Ukrainian forces had regained control of the drilling rigs called `Boiko Tower` in a `special operation`.

`For Ukraine, regaining control of the Boiko Towers is of strategic importance, causing Russia to lose the ability to use them for military purposes. Russia has lost complete control of the Black Sea and this leaves Ukraine

GUR announced that Ukrainian special forces traveling by speedboat engaged a Russian fighter plane, causing damage to the plane and forcing it to retreat.

`A battle took place between Ukrainian special forces on boats and Russian Su-30 fighter jets. As a result of the battle, the Russian plane was hit and forced to retreat,` Ukrainian intelligence announced.

`During the fighting, the special forces captured valuable trophies: a warehouse of helicopter ammunition of the UAM type (unguided aircraft missiles), as well as the Neva radar, which can track movements

Ukraine confirmed that the rigs have been under Russian control since 2015, after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and have been used by Moscow for military purposes since Russia began its military campaign in Ukraine in February.

Ukrainian intelligence said Boiko Tower was used by Russia as a helicopter landing pad and to deploy radar equipment.

Before Russia annexed Crimea, Ukraine extracted a significant portion of natural gas from the Black Sea, supplying gas not only to the Crimean peninsula but also to the mainland areas of Ukraine.

In recent weeks, Ukraine is said to have increased its targeting of Crimea with drones and long-range missiles.

Crimea peninsula in southern Ukraine (Photo: NYT).

Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 after a controversial referendum.

Since then, Moscow has strengthened its defense system with the belief of turning Crimea into an `impregnable` fortress.

Despite Russia’s warnings, Ukraine still affirms its intention to restore all territory according to the 1991 border, including Crimea.

Ukrainian officials have announced they will invade Crimea by the end of this year.