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DATE=2/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHECHEN FIGHTING (L)
NUMBER=2-258850
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Russian forces continue firing at Chechen 
rebels in the capital city of
Grozny...while other rebels are moving through the 
hills and villages south of the city in order to 
regroup.
TEXT:  Russian forces are consolidating their hold on 
Grozny, where some rebels continue to shoot at the 
troops from ruined buildings.
The Russian advance is accompanied by mortar fire and 
aerial bombing in some areas of the devastated city.
Military officers say the troops now control most of 
Grozny; to prove this, they raised the Russian flag 
over the residence of Chechnya's
President, Aslan Maskhadov.
The federal troops moved quickly into Grozny after 
several thousand Chechens
made a tactical retreat early last week.
Chechen officials say most of the fighters made it 
through Russian lines and are now regrouping in the 
southern mountains.
They say the war is far from over, with the rebels 
capable of mounting hit-and-run attacks on Russian 
positions.
During the first Chechen war several years ago, the 
fighters repeatedly attacked the Russians and 
ultimately retook Grozny, leading to a Russian
withdrawal.
But there's no question the retreat from Grozny this 
time was costly for the Chechens.  
Scores of fighters were killed or badly wounded when 
they crossed a minefield on the western outskirts of 
the city.
Several prominent Chechen commanders were killed and 
the most notorious warlord, Shamil Basayev, reportedly 
lost a leg. 
Russian commanders say they've trapped up to 1000 
rebels in the hills south of Grozny and have demanded 
they surrender or "be destroyed".
The Russians have also attacked some southern villages 
attempting to kill or capture more fighters.
However in one village several Russian troops were 
killed when rebels mounted an attack, in a sign of 
things to come. (Signed)
NEB/BG/PLM
05-Feb-2000 06:31 AM EDT (05-Feb-2000 1131 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.