11 civilians killed in shelling of Donetsk

11 civilians killed in shelling of Donetsk

DONETSK -- Eleven civilians were killed and eight wounded in the shelling of Donetsk carried out by Ukrainian government forces.

The announcement was made by local officials in this stronghold of pro-Russian forces.

Fighting between pro-Russian and Ukrainian forces lasted during the night in central and western parts of the city which is under the control of pro-Russian forces, according to the city council in Donetsk.

Local authorities on Thursday announced that 74 civilians were killed in the previous 72 hours.

Fierce clashes were also reported in the suburbs of another stronghold of pro-Russian forces, Lugansk, reported AFP.

Since the conflict began four months ago "more than 2,000 people were killed, and about 285,000 were forced to flee their homes," said reports.