Ukraine destroys two rebel bases

Kiev, May 15 (IANS) Ukrainian armed forces have destroyed two military bases set up by insurgents in eastern Ukraine, according to authorities.

The defence ministry said a base was destroyed near the town of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region Wednesday evening and three rebels were captured, Xinhua reported Thursday.

No troops or civilians were killed during the operation, the ministry said, without giving details of casualties in the protestors' camp.

In a separate development, acting Ukrainian President Alexandr Turchynov said the armed forces destroyed another insurgent base in the nearby town of Slavyansk and retook control of a regional television station.

Turchynov told parliament the government remained open to dialogue with peaceful protestors, but warned the authorities would continue their "anti-terror" measures against those who "kill, rob and kidnap people".

The Ukrainian government launched its military operation April 13 against separatists who are demanding regional independence.