300 rebels killed in Russian air strikes

The Russian military said on Sunday Chechen rebels opposing them in Grozny had detonated several bombs with toxic substances, but its troops were not affected, Itar-Tass news agency said.

Tass quoted the Russian military command as saying the bombs, supposedly containing chlorine and ammonia, had been detonated overnight and early on Sunday in Grozny8217;s eastern suburbs. It said a greenish cloudcaused by the explosions was hanging over the rebel-held city centre, where many civilians are trapped. It was the third time the Russians had accused the Chechen rebels of a chemical attack since they began their operation to try to take control of Grozny a week ago. The Russian military says it is well equipped to face chemical attacks.

Amid fighting to gain control over besieged Grozny, the rebels, posing stiff resistance to federal troops, blasted two reservoirs filled with ammonia and chlorine on Sunday, NTV said.

The television said poisonous clouds were looming over rebel positions in Grozny, bringing lives of thousands of civilians still sheltering in basements of ruined buildings, under risk.

Meanwhile, buoyed by Acting President Vladimir Putin8217;s visit to Gudermes in Chechnya, pro-Moscow Chechen workers were working round-the-clock building a new government building.

quot;After Putin8217;s visit, Chechens and residents of Gudermes have no doubt in the Russian government8217;s ernest intentions to uprootall bandits in Chechnya, Itar-Tass quoted local administration head Malika Gezimiyeva as saying.