CHECHNYA: RUSSIA/CHECHNYA CONFLICT: REBELS

(22 Jan 2000) Russian/Nat

Chechen rebels continue to hold out in the mountains of southern Chechnya, while Russian troops control the plains in the north.

Harsh winter conditions are hampering efforts by Russian forces to rid the mountainous regions of rebels who feel at home in the rugged terrain.

While Russian superiority in numbers and fire power may be of great advantage in the plains, the guerrilla war in the mountains is expected to last for years.

An APTN cameraman in Chechnya was told by rebels that the fighting will resume with fresh vigour as soon as spring arrives.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"Next fall everything will be over. We just need to wait through the winter, and summer will be ours already."
SUPER CAPTION: Movsar, Chechen fighter

Meanwhile in Grozny, Russian troops now control one third of the Chechen capital and are fighting their way yard-by-yard to the centre of the city, which is still being held by Islamic militants.

Despite the Russian advance, the rebels still retain control of the north-western section of the city.

Rebel forces in the mountains believe their allies in the cities still have the upper hand.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We will liberate Grozny, Argun and all other cities - we can free them all in a mere two hours, but unfortunately we don't have enough strength to keep them under control. What's bad is that about thirty per cent of our own people have either been killed or are fighting against us."
SUPER CAPTION: Movsar, Chechen fighter

While these rebels remain undiscovered in their mountain hideout, Russian forces now claim to have occupied the rebel stronghold of Vedeno in the south-eastern mountains.

Russian Defence Ministry sources claim a Russian flag has been raised, while troops search house-to-house for militants.

The Russians had controlled the heights around Vedeno for some time but had been cautious about entering the town, which was believed to be well-guarded by Chechen warlords.

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