Vladikavkaz, Russia; 3 November 2003 (RFE/RL) -- An official in the Chechen administration said today that nine Russian soldiers were killed and 16 wounded during the past 24 hours by attacks and mines laid by Chechen separatists. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the Russian military responded by pounding the southern Vedeno district from the air and shelling suspected separatist bases.
The official said the troops also detained at least 180 people on suspicion of aiding the separatists.
The official said the troops also detained at least 180 people on suspicion of aiding the separatists.