Chechen Ambush Kills Several Russians
Hector Duarte Jr. - All Headline News Staff Reporter Grozny, Chechnya (AHN) - At least six Russian soldiers are killed and twenty wounded during an attack by suspected militants within Chechnya. The convoy was ambushed near Avtury, a town roughly 18 miles southeast of the Chechen capital of Grozny. According to the BBC, a pro-rebel website claims over 20 soldiers were killed in the attack, which they said was carried out to avenge the murder of separatist leader Abdul-Khalim Sadulayev in mid-June. Over the last twelve years, Chechnya has been divided by two wars between Russian forces and separatist rebels. The Russian defense ministry confirmed the death of six servicemen and stated twenty people had been wounded. However, a local police official who reportedly went to the scene told the AFP news agency that seven servicemen were killed and twelve were wounded. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official said, "Combat went on for about an hour. Assault rifles and grenade-launchers were used." The pro-rebel Website also stated four armored vehicles were destroyed or badly damaged in the attack. Ironically, the attack came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the Russian military was not on the offensive in Chechnya. Putin stated, "There are outbursts of terrorist actions, but no combat actions in Chechnya."
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