Donetsk, Sep 14 - DAN. A DPR militiaman was killed in Ukrainian army sniper fire over the past 24 hours, DPR armed forces spokesman Daniil Bezsonov said on Thursday.

“One DPR militiaman was killed in sniper fire in the past 24 hours,” Bezsonov said noting increased sniper activity in Kiev-controlled Peski, Maryinka and Shirokino areas.

DPR recorded the operation of six sniper teams equipped with extended range NATO rifles.

“They were tasked with delivering precision fire at the Republic’s privates and non-combatant in order to provoke us into retaliating,” Bezsonov said.

Up to 20 foreign mercenaries were spotted arriving in Kiev-controlled Zaitsevo village north of Gorlovka who local residents said were toting sniper rifles with nigh vision scopes.

Earlier reports on Thursday said Ukrainian forces violated the ceasefire 53 times over the past 24 hours, firing almost 240 rounds at DPR territory.*jk