国际英语新闻:Ukrainian forces allegedly kill rebels involved in military helicopter attack

KIEV, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian military forces on Thursday killed the armed activists responsible for the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers in a military helicopter crash near the eastern town of Slavyansk, the National Guard Force said.

"In response to the actions of terrorists, the forces of the anti-terror operation made artillery and air bombardments, which resulted in liquidation of a group of criminals involved in shooting at the helicopter," the National Guard said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian military helicopter, which was carrying soldiers for a troop rotation, was shot down by rebels.

Ukrainian acting President Alexandr Turchynov said 14 troops, including an army general Sergei Kulchitskii, the head of combat and special training for the National Guard, were killed during the attack.

Later, the National Guard press service said 12 Ukrainian soldiers died and one serviceman was seriously injured in the incident.