KIEV, September 21 (RIA Novosti) - Pro-independence forces are shelling the outskirts of the southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, the local headquarters of the "anti-terror" operation said Sunday in a press release.
"Last night, the fighters began to shell eastern and northeastern outskirts of Mariupol and the neighboring settlements. The shelling is continuing this afternoon," the statement reads.
The authorities also said that the independence supporters use mortars and Grad multiple rocket launchers, stressing that the fire density remains low and an assault on Mariupol is not likely to happen.
In April, the Kiev authorities launched what they called an anti-terror operation, which was aimed at suppressing pro-independence forces of the southeastern Ukraine. The operation resulted in almost 3,200 casualties, according to UN estimates. After the September 5 meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine, the sides agreed on a ceasefire, which came into force that same day. On Saturday, the Contact Group drew up a memorandum of nine provisions, specifying the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
