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DATE=3/4/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA-AMBUSH (L)
NUMBER=2-259837
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Fierce fighting continues between Russian 
troops and Chechen fighters in the Caucasus Mountains 
of Chechnya.  The clashes come as Russian military 
officials investigate a rebel ambush that killed at 
least 20 Russian troops.
TEXT:  The fighting is centered around the strategic 
Argun Gorge that cuts through the rugged mountainous 
terrain.
Russian troops have been battling Chechen fighters 
near several villages in the area, while warplanes and 
heavy artillery bombard suspected rebel positions.
Military officials say both sides are suffering heavy 
casualties.  Some sources say at least 50 Russians 
have been killed over the past week.
The fighting rages despite earlier claims by Russian 
commanders that their forces were in control of the 
gorge.
The heaviest clashes are reported near the village of 
Ulus-Kert, which lies just outside the gorge.
Earlier on Saturday, there were reports that 70 
Russian paratroopers had been killed in a rebel ambush 
in the area -- a claim that Kremlin and military 
officials deny.
However Russian officials are still investigating a 
rebel ambush near the capital city, Grozny, late on 
Thursday.  At least 20 Interior Ministry troops were 
killed when rebels attacked a convoy of trucks that 
was on patrol.
Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo flew to Chechnya 
to lead the investigation into the attack, which 
occurred in an area the Russians believed was under 
their control.
Acting President Vladimir Putin blamed the ambush on 
incompetent Russian field commanders, although the 
Chechens have long promised to conduct a partisan, 
guerrilla war against Russian forces.
Officials say at least 48 Chechens have been detained 
on suspicion of taking part in the raid, which was 
videotaped by one of the rebels.
Human rights groups have long criticized the military 
for arbitrarily arresting Chechen men of fighting age.  
Many have been sent to detention camps where former 
captives say they were tortured, although Russia 
denies the allegations. (SIGNED)
NEB/BG/JP
04-Mar-2000 15:46 PM EDT (04-Mar-2000 2046 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.