Rebels Report Fierce Fighting in Chechnya

Chechen rebels said they fought fierce battles with Russian forces in several locations on the outskirts of Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, and pushed Moscow’s forces from a nearby military airport. Tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the besieged and battered capital remained the focus of international concern, and the head of Europe’s top security body, heading to the region for a visit, called for a cease-fire around Grozny. Knut Vollebaek of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said he was “appealing to the Russian authorities to start a round-the-clock cease-fire . . . so that civilians can really leave.” He said the exit corridors and the hours “are not enough for people who don’t know about them, who don’t dare leave or who are physically unable to travel.” He added that the call was also aimed at the rebel fighters.