(22 Aug 1995) Russian/Nat
Civilians trickling out of Argun Tuesday said the Russian army had continued shelling the town throughout the night.
The Russians began their attack on Argun Monday, a day after Chechen rebels had seized the police station in the town.
Russian officials talking to APTV said at least one civilian and a Russian soldiers had been killed in the fighting.
The Russian attack on the town of Argun, 15 kilometres (nine miles) east of Grozny, caused considerable damage.
Following an aerial attack, Russian troops backed by tanks and armoured vehicles stormed the police station.
The fighting was one of the most violent in recent months.
VOXPOP: (In Russian)
"Yesterday, I was standing here and it came from helicopters. Four helicopters, from all four directions, with rockets and burnt everything here and over at my neighbour's."
SUPER CAPTION: Argun resident
Russian military officials told APTV that at least one civilian had died in the assault.
One Russian soldier was killed while two army soldiers and 12 special forces troops were injured.
There was no sign of the Chechen rebels on Tuesday and no word on their casualties.
And Russian soldiers in the town remained wary.
VOXPOP: (In Russian)
"In the daytime we're basically in control. God knows who's in charge at night. But we gave them a good beating anyway."
SUPER CAPTION: Interior Ministry soldier
As Argun remains officially closed off by the Russians, many civilians are stranded in their ruined homes.
VOXPOP: (In Russian)
"Where am I to take them now?"
SUPER CAPTION: Argun resident
Residents who left during the fighting are not being allowed back to their homes, suggesting that the Russian operation to retake the town may not yet be over.
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