Russia `poised' to take strategic town east of Grozny
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.RUSSIA SAID its forces were poised to capture a town on the outskirts of the Chechen capital, Grozny, yesterday amid reports of a major upsurge in fighting in southern heartland of the breakaway republic.
The Russian defence minister, Igor Sergeyev, said troops would capture the strategic town of Argun, to the east ofrebel-held Grozny, within two or three days. It would be the third major town under their control. He also said the operation against Islamic militants in Chechnya should last no longer than three more months.
Rebels said fierce battles were under way in and near villages on the eastern approach to Argun, and the western approach to Grozny. The Russian Itar-Tass news agency reported that Argun's residents had asked the troops to stop shelling their community, saying they had already chased out Islamic fighters.
Chechen refugees arriving in the neighbouring province of Ingushetia said that Russian troops were storming villages around Grozny, killing or wounding many civilians. Dasha Dudayeva, a refugee from from Alkhan Yurt, six miles from Grozny, said: "Over the last two days they have been storming my village. There are many dead and wounded, but they haven't taken it yet." (Reuters)
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments