Fierce fighting continues between Russian troops and Chechen fighters in the Caucasus Mountains of Chechnya. The clashes come as Russian military officials investigate a rebel ambush that killed at least 20 Russian troops. The fighting is centered around the strategic Argun Gorge that cuts through the rugged mountainous terrain. Russian troops have been battling Chechen fighters near several villages in the area, while warplanes and heavy artillery bombard suspected rebel positions.
Military officials say both sides are suffering heavy casualties.
Some sources say at least 50 Russians have been killed over the past week. The fighting rages despite earlier claims by Russian commanders that their forces were in control of the gorge. The heaviest clashes are reported near the village of Ulus-Kert, which lies just outside the gorge. However Russian officials are still investigating a rebel ambush near the capital city, Grozny, late on Thursday. At least 20 Interior Ministry troops were killed when rebels attacked a convoy of trucks that was on patrol.