Russia to Boost Scrutiny of Chechen Men

Russian forces claimed Tuesday to have repulsed resurgent Chechen rebels who launched surprise counterattacks on two key towns, and a top general said Moscow will investigate all Chechen males between the ages of 10 and 60 for possible rebel ties.

Russian air and artillery struck Grozny, capital of the separatist republic of Chechnya, where rebels are entrenched in the city center, and clashes were reported with rebels near the village of Belorechiye.

After weeks of advances into Chechnya, Russian forces recently have been on the defensive, with rebels mounting fierce resistance in Grozny and also assaults last weekend to drive Russian troops out of Shali and Argun, towns that Moscow seized in December.

Russian commander Col. Gen. Viktor Kazantsev said the military should have been more thorough in searching houses for rebels when it took Shali and Argun. He said any male older than 10 and younger than 60 henceforth would be detained and “thoroughly checked.”

The head of Russia’s air force, Gen. Anatoly M. Kornukov, raised the prospect of using more powerful weapons against rebels, particularly those based in the rugged southern mountains.

Russian artillery shelled Shali and Argun on Tuesday. By late afternoon, rebels in the towns were scattered and Russian troops were combing the areas for remaining fighters, the Itar-Tass news agency reported, citing military sources.

Defense Minister Igor D. Sergeyev met Tuesday with Acting President Vladimir V. Putin. Kazantsev said a curfew was being imposed in all of Russian-held Chechnya.

Despite Russia’s tough words, Chechen rebels have vowed to launch more offensives.

Federal jets also continued their attacks Tuesday. About 20 rebel strongholds, two command posts and four antiaircraft systems were destroyed, the military said. The claim could not be verified.