Ukraine's Army Starts Anti-Terror Operation in Kramatorsk

The Ukrainian army has stormed Kramatorsk Airfield in Donetsk region, in a moved that has marked the beginning of a long-forewarned "anti-terrorist operation".

A series of shots and explosions could be heard in the area, according to reports by the local newspaper Novosti Kramatorska cited by Lenta.ru.

A video footage earlier published on YouTube purportedly shows deployment of Ukrainian special forces beginning around the airfield.

Ukrainian aircraft seem to be taking part in the operation.

The country's Defense Ministry announced an anti-terrorist operation had been launched in Kramatorsk, but refused to provide further details.

Unconfirmed reports by sources cited by Lenta.ru suggest Interior Ministry's forces have also arrived in Slaviansk, which was virtually sealed off by rebel pro-Russian groups during Sunday and Monday.

On Tuesday afternoon local time, Andriy Parubiy, who heads the National Security Council of Ukraine, reported via his Facebook profile that troops had set off for Eastern Ukraine as part of the "anto-terrorist operation".

Interim President Oleksandr Turchynov announced a few days ago that such operation would be a last resort if pro-Russian factions occupying government buildings and security headquarters across eastern cities don't surrender.

Turchynov asserted on Tuesday that all activities addressing "separatists" would be carried out "in a very responsible way", as quoted by Der Spiegel.

He also said the aim of these actions was "to protect the citizens of Ukraine" and "to stop terror... [and] attempts to tear Ukraine to pieces".

Moscow has however repeatedly warned Kiev against using force to crack down on rebel groups...