Heavy clashes between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk intensified on Friday in a struggle for control of the city's airport. Despite a cease-fire agreed to on Sept. 5, the strategic location has been the site of fierce fighting for weeks.
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) said on Friday that government forces maintained control of the airport despite ongoing attacks.
Donetsk airport still under attack, two more attacks repelled, Terrorists received reinforcements and heavy weapons— NSDC of Ukraine (@NSDC_ua) October 3, 2014
Pro-Russian rebels reportedly used tanks to fire at the main terminal, which was held by government forces. An Associated Press journalist on Friday reported seeing three rebel tanks firing their cannons at the terminal. Sniper shots also rang around the area.
A video from Thursday shows the extent of the damage to the airport, considered a key strategic position in Donetsk for the rebels, who would be able to use it to resupply if they seize control. Members of the separatist militia have also captured outlying buildings that make up the airport complex.
The heavy clashes in Donetsk are not limited to the airport. Fighting has spilled over into residential areas of the city, with a shelling near a school in the Kyivsky district Wednesday leaving at least 10 people dead. A Red Cross worker died Thursday after a shell exploded close to the aid group's office in Donetsk.
One of our colleagues in #Donetsk #Ukraine was killed when a shell hit close to our office. We're deeply distressed by this loss.— ICRC (@ICRC) October 2, 2014
Pro-Russian rebels blamed the Ukrainian government for the deadly attack, while Ukraine's foreign ministry claimed the separatist militia was at fault.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press