Moscow, 16 May 2000 (RFE/RL) - At least two Russian soldiers were killed today in an ambush by Chechen separatists in the eastern part of the breakaway republic. Sergei Yastrzhembsky, the Kremlin's chief spokesman on Chechnya, said the rebels fired on the military vehicle in which the soldiers were travelling. A statement released by Yastrzhembsky's office said several other servicemen were wounded in the attack.
Interfax news agency reports the ambush occurred near the village of Bachi-Yurt, southeast of the capital Grozny. It is the latest in a series of successful rebel attacks against Russian forces in and around Chechnya.
Chechen rebel commander Shamil Basayev today issued a new warning that separatist forces will launch fresh strikes on Russian troops, both inside and outside the republic.
Chechen rebel commander Shamil Basayev today issued a new warning that separatist forces will launch fresh strikes on Russian troops, both inside and outside the republic.