| At least six Russian soldiers were killed and another 17 wounded in rebel attacks and land mine explosions in Chechnya. Russian troops launched new security raids throughout the region. 14 rebels were killed in air and artillery strikes over the past 24 hours. Mi-24 helicopter gunships and heavy artillery targeted suspected rebel bases in Chechnya's southern mountains, while federal forces searched for rebels in foothill towns and villages. More than 50 residents were detained over the past 24 hours on suspicion of being linked to the rebels. A Chechen official said rebels shelled federal outposts 24 times, killing three troops and wounding another 13. |