RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: GROZNY: LATEST SITUATION

Russian/Nat The ceasefire between Russian troops and Chechen rebels ended soon after it began today (Tuesday). The 48-hour lull was meant to allow both sides to remove their dead, but heavy shelling and small-arms quickly filled the capital again. For Grozny’s remaining residents, the Chechen capital has become a hell on earth. The sign says Welcome to Hell. For the residents that remain stranded, Grozny has indeed become hell on earth. The rumble of tanks has replaced the hum of car traffic on the deserted streets of the Chechen capital. Weary Chechens read of the ever mounting death toll in local newspapers. SOUNDBITE: “Yesterday he went to Mozdoh with humanitarian aid and came inside warehouses. There were a lot of dead Russian soldiers. One has a number 7001.“ SUPER CAPTION: Chechen man reading newspaper Wounded civilians, the Chechens believe, are evidence that Russia is violating the code of human rights. While the US and European officials have spoken out against