Deaths Reported in Ukraine's Slaviansk Operation

Pro-Russian rebels have set up barricades in a number of Ukrainian towns and cities and have refused to withdraw after Kiev renewed its "anti-terrorist" operation. Photo by EPA/BGNES

At least two men were reportedly killed after Ukrainian commandos stormed the eastern town of Slaviansk, which has been controlled by pro-Russian rebels for weeks.

The city's website, as quoted by RIA Novosti, also says an "unspecified number" of people have been injured.

Ukrainian Interior Ministry officials have put the death toll at five in clashes with police and army. A statement by the ministry says during that operation special forces removed illegal checkpoints in Slaviansk.

Kiev's leadership began last week what it calls an "anti-terrorist" operation in its eastern and southern regions and continued it after a temporary truce for Easter days.

Interim President Oleksandr Turchynov decided earlier last week to renew the operation after Batkivshchina party Volodymyr Rybak was found dead in a reported attack by pro-Russian separatists.

On Thursday morning Ukrainian forces were said to have retaken control of Mariupol, which was among the cities seized by separatist rebels.

Information by UNIAN news agency suggests they are also regaining control in Slaviansk.

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