Heavy clashes were reported in the north of the city and at the main railway station. The operation to dislodge the rebels in Grozny is being complicated by a large number of mines on the roads and in buildings. The fate of Grozny's civilian population is unclear. Estimates of the number of civilians left vary from 15,000 to 40,000. There are no gas, water or electricity supplies.
Food is extremely scarce.
The Russians say they have captured the heights overlooking Vedeno, an important guerrilla stronghold. Alkhan-Yurt was captured and demolished by the Russians in fierce battles before Christmas. Yesterday rebel sources said they were close to recapturing it. Moscow claimed that 4,000 rebel fighters, led by 27 field commanders, had signalled a willingness to surrender. Russian kidnapped from Ingushetia 18 months ago and held for ransom in Chechnya was freed by Ingush security officials, Itar-Tass news agency reported.