Russian Forces Fight to Close Off Chechen City
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GROZNY, Russia — Russian tanks and infantry backed by warplanes fought Sunday to cut off the last major supply route between Grozny and the rest of rebel-controlled Chechnya, clashing for hours with about 500 militants.
However, the Russians’ advance was slow because the military command, seeking to avoid heavy losses, pulled troops back every time they encountered heavy resistance.
Meanwhile, Russian officials said Sunday that they were offering the few civilians left in Grozny safe passage out. Warplanes have been dropping leaflets advertising the offer, according to Nikolai P. Koshman, Moscow’s administrator in Chechnya.
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