The advance federal units fighting against militants in the Oktyabrsky district of Grozny have established full and firm control of Minutka square in the center of the city and captured the building of a key auto station by Tuesday morning, the Itar-Tass quoted the temporary press center of the Russian Combined Force in the North Caucasus as saying.

The seizure of the square is seen as an important symbol of strategic significance in the key and final phase of the underway anti-terrorist military operation by Russia in the rebelling province. It could be a significant boost to the campaign to take the capital.

"After taking this square, I can say that we can totally control the city," a Russian commander, Yevgeny Kurkarin, told theRussian NTV (Independent TV station) channel. Minutka square is adjacent to several of Grozny's main thoroughfares and could be a staging point for a drive into the deeper center.

The Russian advance came under withering sniper fire from rebels in battered high-rise buildings along the streets that approach the square -- attacks that sometimes brought the Russian drive to a standstill.

Rebels elsewhere in the city have put up fierce resistance, and the rebel command shows no sign of backing down. In the northern part of the city, radicals have set up substantial defenses in the old university complex, the Interfax news agency said, citing Russian military sources.

Heavy fighting continues in the Leninsky and Central districtsof Grozny where Russian troops have rebuffed three attempts by militants to break through federal cordons, said the Russian temporary press center. (Xinhua)