BATTLE POSTMORTEM.

The full extent of the Russian military debacle this month is slowly becoming apparent. The Russian command yesterday upped its "interim" casualty toll for August 6 through 22 in Grozny alone to 510 killed and at least 1,400 wounded. The command said that the Chechens captured 31 armored vehicles (tanks, APCs, and IFVs) in good working order which they are now using, plus an unknown number of lightly damaged Russian armored vehicles which the Chechens have hidden for quick repairs. Also yesterday, the Russian command acknowledged belatedly that Chechen forces gained control of Gudermes (Chechnya’s second largest city), Argun, Shali, and other district centers during the decisive battle which began August 6. (Russian and Western agencies, August 28)

Unsurprisingly, Tikhomirov told a Moscow interviewer yesterday that the army has no wish to participate in the policing of Grozny, leaving only Internal Affairs Ministry troops to patrol the city with Chechen troops (see above). Moreover, Tikhomirov said that the earlier, officially approved plan to station one or two army brigades in Chechnya after the war is no longer valid. (Nezavisimaya gazeta, August 28)

Chechnya’s Political Status under Consideration.