Warning of attacks in Chechnya

Hundreds of civilians are reported to have fled Chechnya, fearful that guerrillas are planning a wave of attacks against Russian military positions.

According to the Russian authorities, the rebels have distributed leaflets warning of attacks today and tomorrow to mark the anniversary of their capture of the capital, Grozny, in 1996 during the first Chechen war.

Journalists said the Russian armed forces had stepped up security precautions at checkpoints and administrative buildings.

They said the streets of Grozny were empty of civilians.

The BBC correspondent in Moscow says the Chechen war has reached a stalemate and there is still no consensus in Russia about how to resolve the conflict.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service