Chechen rebels have launched counter attacks against Russian federal troops in some liberated areas of Chechnya.

กก The Russian Interior Ministry's press center in the North Caucasus said that a battle between a rebel detachment and federal units broke out near the populated area of Komsomolskoye, southeast of Grozny Sunday morning.

กก The press center said that some 70 rebels were pinned down there and had failed to break through the federal lines.

กก According to Russian military sources, Chechen rebel leaders are now regrouping remnant forces in the southern mountains in an attempt to break out of the federal grip through the Argun gorge.