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Figting underway between Ukraine's military and self-defense forces in Donetsk region

Parliament-appointed Interior Minister Arsen Avakov says Ukraine's military managed "to take under control major strongholds" of the self-defense forces

KIEV, June 13. /ITAR-TASS/. The fighting is underway between Ukraine's military and self-defense forces of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in the center of Mariupol in the Donetsk Region, parliament-appointed Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said on Friday.

"The operation started at 04.50 am local time. It is proceeding according to plan. The operation is successful," Avakov said.

He added that Ukraine's military managed "to take under control major strongholds" of the self-defense forces. Avakov also said one armored reconaiisance and patrol vehicle of the self-defense forces was destroyed, and several sniper locations were neutralized.

He noted that the Ukrainian military did not bear any casualties, and four people were injured. Avakov said that the operation is carried out by National Guard units and special units Azov and Dnieper 1.