Russian helicopter shot down in Chechnya, 15 dead

February 19, 2000
Web posted at: 8:27 a.m. EST (1327 GMT)

MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Rebels have shot down a Russian helicopter in the breakaway region of Chechnya, killing 15 troops, Interfax news agency quoted Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo as saying on Saturday.

"Yesterday was a tragic day. A helicopter was brought down in the south (of Chechnya) and 15 people were killed," Rushailo was quoted as saying in a rare confirmation of losses. The rebel Internet web site Kavkaz.org earlier showed a picture of a helicopter in flames.

Kavkaz.org said the helicopter it showed had been transporting paratroopers into Chechnya's southern mountains, where Russian troops are facing fierce resistance in taking the last rebel strongholds.

Russia's tactics in Chechnya's mountainous terrain have been to pound rebel bases with artillery and air fire and to drop paratroopers on key heights overlooking two key gorges, where up to 8,000 guerrillas are holed up.

Russia has seized most of Chechnya in its bid to destroy rebels and bring control over the separatist region. Both sides report losses, but often they contradict each other making it difficult to assess how many have died in the conflict.

On Friday, U.S. President Bill Clinton urged Moscow to find a political solution to the conflict after human rights organizations accused Russian troops of committing human rights abuses. Russia denies the reports.

Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

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