Three Russian Soldiers Killed In Chechnya Ambush

(RFE/RL) July 10, 2007 -- Three Russian soldiers are reported to have been killed and five others wounded in an ambush in southeastern Chechnya.

Russian news agencies quoted security officials as saying the soldiers were traveling in an armored vehicle in the Vedeno district of the restive republic when it was hit by a land mine.

Gunmen opened fire on the troops after the explosion.

Chechnya is the site of two wars pitting rebels against federal forces since 1994.

Large-scale battles ended years ago, but the republic continues to see rebel attacks against federal troops and forces of the Moscow-backed government.

(RIA Novosti, Interfax, Reuters)