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Ukrainian troops begin special operation in Slavyansk

02 May 2014 08:39 (UTC +04:00)

Baku – APA. The Ukrainian army has reportedly begun a special operation against pro-autonomy activists in the eastern town of Slavyansk, APA reports quoting RT news. The city is now blockaded by the Ukrainian military, with 20 helicopters deployed to crack down on self-defense forces.

Two more helicopters have been shot down by self-defense forces, according to reports. Earlier, two helicopters were reportedly shot down, with one pilot dead and another one captured, RIA Novosti news agency reported. This information was confirmed by Ukraine's coup-appointed Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.

Ukrainian army had taken control of one of the roadblocks on the outskirts of Slavyansk, as well as the city’s TV broadcasting center. The Ukrainian army was mounting artillery positions around the captured TV station in Slavyansk, a city administration spokesman said.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has also stated that they control ten checkpoints in Slavyansk. Reports have emerged that the Kiev forces are also going to attack Kramatorsk which is 19 kilometers away.

One protester was killed, and another one injured during the attack on the city, say self-defense forces.