Deaths were reported in clashes between pro-Russian activists and Ukrainian troops Saturday in two cities in eastern Ukraine as separatists there released military observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Heavy fighting broke out in Kramatorsk as the government in Kiev carries out a "counterterrorism" offensive to curb the unrest in the east. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said a television tower and several roadblocks were taken over by government troops in the city, according to dpa. At least two people were killed and 12 injured, officials from the regional government in Donetsk said. The identities of the victims had yet to be confirmed, they said. -- SPA 21:07 LOCAL TIME 18:07 GMT تغريد
