DATE=1/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA CHECHNYA (L)
NUMBER=2-257798
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Chechen rebels are launching a strong counter-
attack against Russian forces in the Chechen capital,
Grozny. Moscow correspondent Eve Conant reports that
despite the attacks Russian forces are establishing
bases on the northeastern edge of Grozny.
TEXT: Chechen rebels are fighting for control of
Grozny's northern outskirts, despite independent news
reports that federal forces have set up their first
military bases there. Both sides are reporting battle
successes and both boast of enemy casualties.
It is difficult to get independent confirmation of
either side's claims. Access for foreign media is
limited, and Russian news agencies are mostly confined
to Russian military headquarters in a neighboring
republic.
Russia's Defense Minister says the Chechnya offensive
is -- going as planned. But Chechen fighters say they
are gaining the upper hand as fighting moves into
Grozny and the mountains, both areas which are easier
to defend using guerilla tactics.
Rebel fighters have reportedly regained control of
parts of Grozny's Khankala district. But federal
forces say they have occupied the city's Nozhai-Yurt
district and are keeping control of a northern
district where fighting has been raging for weeks.
Rebels are firing mortars and anti-aircraft weapons at
Russian troops advancing under cover of helicopter
gunships.
Russian military officials say forces are also bombing
targets in Chechnya's Vedeno district and the Argun
Gorge. They say warplanes destroyed several rebel
bases and anti-aircraft installations.
Officials from Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry
say more than 80-thousand Chechen refugees have
returned to Russian-occupied Chechnya where
electricity and gas supplies have resumed. But
independent news reports from occupied cities say
supplies in federal-controlled territories are scarce.
(SIGNED)
NEB/EC/GE/RAE
05-Jan-2000 08:01 AM EDT (05-Jan-2000 1301 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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