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Ukraine Defence Ministry says armed forces may take part in antiterrorist operation

KIEV, February 20, /ITAR-TASS/. - Servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces may take part in an antiterrorist operation on the country’s territory, the press service of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry reported on Wednesday.

“In connection with the decision to launch an antiterrorist operation on the Ukrainian territory according to Article 5 of the law on the fight against terrorism Ukraine’s Defence Ministry, military command bodies and units of Ukraine’s armed forces are to protect against terrorism facilities of the armed forces, fire arms, ammunition, explosive and toxic agents within army units or in storages,” says the statement published on the ministry’s website.

In accordance with Ukraine’s legislation, servicemen have the right to use arms and munition, detain offenders and take them to the department of internal affairs, carry out personal search and screening of citizens’ belongings, temporarily restrict or stop vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The fight against terrorism is coordinated by Antiterrorism Centre at Ukraine’s Security Service.

“The chief aim of the antiterrorist operation is to arrest extremism and illegal actions of radical groups threatening the lives of millions of Ukrainians, to protect peaceful people and prevent a civil war in Ukraine,” the statement says.

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