CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Pro-Russian separatists in a breakaway region of Moldova have put their army on alert, claiming they fear military action from neighboring Ukraine and Moldova, a local news agency reported Thursday.

The Tiras news agency said that separatists in Trans-Dniester expected military activity starting from Aug. 26, the day before Moldova’s independence day, but provided no details. Moldovan authorities accused separatists of trying to escalate tensions.