VLADIKAVKAZ, November 22 (AVN) - The command of the western federal group in the North Caucasus is planning to take control over the Chechen town of Urus-Martan this week, a spokesman for the Combined Army 58 headquarters said on Monday.
By capturing the town, federals will block Grozny from the north, the east and the west, the spokesman told the Military News Agency.
Urus-Martan is located 40 kilometres south of Grozny. According to intelligence reports, it is defended by at least 600 guerrillas. Federal aviation inflicts 10 to 15 air strikes on rebel positions in its outskirts every day.