CHECHNYA….

Russian generals declared victory in December, January, February, March … but the war goes on. Despite very heavy losses, some 3,000–5,000 Chechen fighters escaped the Russian noose around Grozny, or were never in it. These fighters continue to conduct a guerrilla war, ambushing Russian troops and police even near Grozny and beating back Russian forces who attack their strongholds in the southern mountains. In the past six months, some 2,000 federal forces have been killed in Chechnya, by Russian count. As winter passes, the guerrillas should find supply and recruitment easier, and the killing is likely to intensify.