Chechen offensive claims Russian casualties

Ambushes on Russian troops are less frequent in winter

By Nikolai Gorshkov BBC correspondent in Moscow

Five soldiers in the Russian federal army have been killed in Chechnya when their vehicle hit a radio-controlled mine.

The servicemen, including two officers, died of their wounds at the scene. Another man was taken to hospital.

The incident happened just outside the Chechen capital, Grozny.

Ambushes of federal troops in Chechnya happen regularly, but they have a tendency to increase with the end of the cold season.

The warm weather makes mountain passes accessible again and the new plush foliage provides useful cover for the Chechen fighters.

Recruitment campaign

Their traditional "spring offensive" on the ground is backed up by claims of numerous skirmishes in various parts of Chechnya and scores of casualties among the federal troops.

New rebel recruits often come from refugee camps over the border

These reports are difficult to verify but the Russian authorities do acknowledge the increased activity of the rebels.

According to the Russian military command in the Caucasus, the Chechens are recruiting new fighters from local villagers and refugees in the camps in Ingushetia just across the Chechen border.

The 16-year-olds, the military say, are lured into the rebel formations with promises of money.

The authorities are trying to enlist the help of the elders in dissuading the young Chechens from joining the rebels.

In the meantime a group of Russian politicians has launched a nationwide campaign to win public support for its military reform plans.

They demand a reduction of the mandatory army service to six months, which in their view would prevent poorly trained soldiers being sent to Chechnya.