(27 Dec 1994) Chechen/Natsot
Russian forces in the breakaway republic of Chechnya have begun an artillery bombardment of the capital, Grozny.
Artillery batteries up to eight miles from city are firing indiscriminantly on civilian positions despite Russian President Boris Yeltsin's call for a halt to aerial bombardments.
A village on the outskirts of Grozny lies in ruins.
The power lines are down while gas mains burn out of control.
This destruction was not caused by air attacks, but by artillery bombardment from Russian positions surrounding the city.
Despite President Yeltsin's call for a halt to all aerial bombardments, the first stages of a ground-based assault on Grozny appears to be underway.
Artillery shells fired from positions eight miles away are now hitting the very centre of the city.
This elderly couple had a narrow escape when a rocket destroyed their home.
SOUNDBITE:
"It landed on our house and completely destroyed our house. At least we're alive, though - that's the main thing."
SUPER CAPTION: Unnamed Old Chechen Couple.
As the artillery shells begin to rain down on the capital, the city's main orphanage has been relocated to a basement which serves as a bomb shelter.
Hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed during the past two weeks of hostilities: these children have all lost their parents.
Many were found wandering the streets with no idea what has happened to the rest of their families.
SOUNDBITE:
"It's cold. There's no electricity. We feed these people with no help from outside.
SUPER CAPTION: Unnamed Woman.
Meanwhile, the Chechen President remains an effective prisoner in the bomb shelter under his palace and his citizens are preparing for the worst.
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