The German Operation Zitadelle officially ended on July 12, the same day that forces of Western and Bryansk Fronts struck the positions of the 2nd Panzer Army on the north flank of the Oryol salient. 8th Guards Corps was deployed with the 11th and 83rd Guards in first echelon supported by the 43rd Guards Tank Brigade, the 2nd Guards Heavy Tank Regiment and a self-propelled artillery regiment while the 26th Guards was in second echelon. The Corps' attack was to be supported by the 3rd Artillery Division, an artillery regiment, a Guards Mortar regiment and a heavy-calibre artillery brigade. The Corps would make its main attack along the Army's right flank in the direction of Belyi Verkh and Obukhovo.