DATE=1/8/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHECHNYA UPDATE (L)
NUMBER=2-258960
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian forces are attacking Chechen rebels in
the Caucasus Mountains south of the devastated capital
city of Grozny. As Bill Gasperini reports the Chechens
continue to talk defiantly while the Russians again
predict the war will soon be over.
TEXT: The focus of Russian attacks against the
Chechens has shifted away from Grozny to the southern
mountains. Russian warplanes have been bombing
suspected Chechen positions in two strategic mountain
gorges.
Thousands of Chechen fighters have made it up into the
mountains after pulling out of Grozny a week ago in
what they say was a tactical retreat.
Russian military officers say they want to close off
escape routes and interrupt supply lines in the rugged
terrain.
Senior commander Viktor Kazantsev spoke with
confidence in saying the war should soon be over.
//Kazantsev in Russian///
"In the near future you will be informed about the end
of the military operation",he says, "this includes the
destruction of the militant gangs in the foothills and
mountains."
General Kazantsev also listed the names of several top
Chechen field commanders who were killed when fighters
broke through Russian lines leaving Grozny.
He said those killed include Chechnya's Vice-
President, Akha Arsanov; although a Chechen spokesman
denies this.
The Chechens also say their forces are now regrouping
and will launch a counter-attack at some point in the
future.
Seeking to consolidate the military gains, the
Russians have been distributing food to civilians who
lived through months of heavy bombardment.
Meanwhile many refugees say dozens of civilians were
killed when Russian planes bombed a village and a road
which troops said would be a safe corridor.
Eyewitness accounts of the bombing come one day after
Russian troops reportedly killed other civilians as
they swept into Grozny.(Signed)
NEB/PT
08-Feb-2000 17:59 PM EDT (08-Feb-2000 2259 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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