RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: SECOND DAY OF REBEL OFFENSIVE IN GROZNY

(7 Aug 1996) Natural Sound
Tension is increasing as Russian soldiers and rebel forces continue fighting in the Chechen capital, Grozny.
It is the second day of a renewed offensive by Chechen separatists in the worst clashes since the collapse of a May peace plan.
APTV has these dramatic pictures from the frontline.
The rebels, who began a surprise offensive on Grozny on Tuesday, are trying to capture important posts and buildings used by the Russian forces and the pro-Moscow Chechen government.
No buildings are reported to have been captured so far.
City streets were deserted as Russian and rebel forces fired at each other with mortars and automatic weapons.
Russian helicopter gun ships and jets fired rockets at rebel positions around Grozny.
Despite the Russian forces' superior firepower, the rebel Chechen fighters are holding them at bay, refusing to be thrown out of the city centre.
The Russian army has admitted suffering dozens of casualties in the bloody street fighting.
Russian Security Chief, Alexander Lebed, confirmed that the Russian side was ready for any talks at any level with anyone who is not involved in the fighting.
This latest round of fighting is thought to be an attempt by the Chechens to discredit the Russian President, Boris Yeltsin, before he is inaugurated again as President later this week.

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