A REPORT FROM CHECHNYA

At least, 7 servicemen died and more than 10 were wounded yesterday in Chechnya. The armoured vehecles near Argun and militia patrol near Shali were attacked resulting in 5 servicemen being killed. Two more soldiers died in a shootout with rebels near Yermolovski. There have been no comment from the military so far. According to the Chechnya’s provisional administration, the federal forces were attacked 20 times. In return, federal artillery shelled presumed Chechen positions in the republic’s south, near Utum-Kale, Nozhai-Yurt, Vedeno, and Kurchala. Federal forces claim they have neutralized 5 Chechen fighters in Grozny and near Urus-Martan. Security measures have been stepped up in Grozny, NTV television channel reports.