The Russians are again claiming victory in Chechnya's Nozhai-Yurt district. The Federal Forces in Chechnya's commander, Colonel General Vladimir Moltenskoi told the press on 4 September that about 70 percent of the 60-fighter rebel group trapped in the village of Gonsolchu had been wiped out. He also noted that while several small groups were still hiding in Chechnya's mountainous forests, these remnants would be eradicated in the near future. Artillery barrages on the night of 2 September destroyed about 10 rebel dugouts, several arms and ammunition caches, as well as a small field hospital. - Adam Geibel