Rebels hit back

Rebels hit back

Grozny - Separatist fighters launched new attacks on Russian troops in Chechnya yesterday as federal forces braced for a big rebel offensive when President Boris Yeltsin hosts world leaders next week.

Chechen villagers have accused the Russians of also opening fire on them. Russian military officials in Grozny said their forces suffered artillery and mortar bomb attacks despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by Mr Yeltsin last week. Reuter