RUSSIA: CHECHEN REBELS STRENGTHEN THEIR DEFENCES IN AND AROUND GROZNY

Record ID: 496443

  • Title: RUSSIA: CHECHEN REBELS STRENGTHEN THEIR DEFENCES IN AND AROUND GROZNY
  • Date: 26th November 1999
  • Summary: UNKNOWN LOCATION, CHECHNYA, RUSSIA (NOVEMBER 24, 1999) (REUTERS) 1. SLV CHECHEN FIGHTERS WALKING TO POSITIONS 0.09 2. MV FIGHTERS WATCHING RUSSIAN TROOPS (3 SHOTS) 0.20 3. MV FIGHTERS AIMING AND FIRING AT TARGET/ EXPLOSION (5 SHOTS) 1.03 4. MV CHECHEN FIGHTERS IN TRENCHES 1.12 5. SCU TRENCHES/AUTOMATIC RIFLES IN TRENCHES (2 SHOTS) 1.28 6. LV RUINED VILLAGE AREA / WRECKED BUILDINGS (3 SHOTS) 1.43 7. MV CHECHEN FIGHTERS STANDING AMID RUINS/DRINKING WATER (3 SHOTS) 2.00 8. SCU CHECHEN FIGHTERS PRAYING/WOMAN PREPARING MEAL (2 SHOTS) 2.11 9. SCU CHECHEN FIGHTERS EATING, DIGGING POSITIONS / WOMAN IN KITCHEN (3 SHOTS) 2.33 10. SLV BURNT-OUT ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS (2 SHOTS) 2.45 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 11th December 1999 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: UNKNOWN LOCATION, CHECHNYA, RUSSIA
  • Country: Russia
  • Reuters ID: LVA68VFVLTX1RA5UOJWIEIKT583W
  • Story Text: In expectation of a major Russian offensive, Chechen
    rebels have strengthened their defences in and around the
    regional capital Grozny, which already largely surrounded by
    Russian forces.

    As Russian troops geared up to complete their
    encirclement of the capital Grozny, the Chechen rebels on
    Wednesday (November 24) continued to fortify the uncaptured
    areas of the breakaway republic.

    RIA news agency reported from Russia's main base in
    Mozdok, just outside Chechnya, that the air force had made 11
    sorties over the past 24 hours, bombing guerrillas in villages
    about 10 kms (six miles) south of Grozny and rebel
    headquarters in the capital itself.

    Russian troops were reported to have closed in on Grozny,
    blocking roads leading to the relative safety of the
    neighbouring regions of Vladikavkaz and Ingushetia, where
    about 200,000 Chechens have already fled.

    Russian tactics to date have been to methodically advance
    on the capital.Chechen leader Aslan Maskhadov is said to be
    directing its defence.

    Itar-Tass news agency quoted officers in Mozdok as saying
    the Islamic guerrillas were building up defences, mining
    roads, bridges and buildings.

    Chechen fighters have traditionally grouped themselves
    into small, semi-independent fighting units.They live off
    local supplies and move rapidly through familiar territory.

    Many of the Chechens set to oppose Russia's advance are
    veterans of a 1994-96 independence war which resulted in a
    humiliating retreat of Russian troops.


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