CHECHNYA: GROZNY: NEW RUSSIAN GROUND FORCE ATTACKS

Russian/Nat The Russian military says its forces have unleashed new ground attacks in a bid to capture the centre of Grozny. Pro-Moscow Chechen fighters and Russian Interior Ministry troops are trying to advance on the Chechen capital, after taking control of several outlying areas. But rebels are still holding on to parts of Grozny, despite reports from the Russian military that some rebel fighters tried to flee the besieged city. In the basements of Grozny, civilians who are unable to flee are going into hiding as the fighting moves ever closer. A Chechen rebel soldier on top of a building in Grozny points to the Russian frontline. The Chechen capital has been held by the rebels since Russian forces began their campaign to retake Chechnya in September. Rebels say the Russian advance is slow. UPSOUND: (Russian) "Here are the Chechens and here are the Russians. They are not getting in (to Grozny)." SUPER CAPTION: Chechen rebel fighter The Russian command has repeatedly claimed that it's chipping away at rebel control of the city, with air raids and cautious advances. But the rebels say they won't abandon the city - the only major part of Chechnya they still hold. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "If I die, I die, but at least I die for my land, for my country." SUPER CAPTION: Chechen rebel fighter Rebels are setting up mortar positions to repel the advancing Russians. In the suburb of Mikrorayon their position is strong. There are also many civilians still trapped in Grozny as air and ground battles rage around them. The very old, very poor and very sick have been unable to leave the city. But they are indignant when told of Russian reports that there are only terrorists left in the city. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "Do we look like terrorists? Do these children look like terrorists? There's no water no gas." SUPER CAPTION: Civilian in Grozny Many of those left in Grozny are living in the city's basements, sheltering from the mortar shells exploding above them. Banata Musafinova and her five children are one of the families who are unable to leave. She says she has no where to go and no means to leave. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "This time we have nowhere to go, we have no money. I have five children. Who wants us? Where could we go?" SUPER CAPTION: Banata Musafinova, Chechen mother-of-five Banata looks after her children as best she can, but with no electricity or running water life is getting harder all the time. Her house was destroyed by a rocket attack, driving her and her children underground. Another Grozny basement hides Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev. From here he commands the rebel forces in the city. He says he won't leave and he won't negotiate with Moscow. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "We are going to fight here as long as it is of benefit. This is our city and we are not going to leave. One part of our army has stayed to fight and will fight to the end." SUPER CAPTION: Shamil Basayev, Chechen rebel leader One basement is being used as a makeshift hospital. Medical workers look after the sick and injured as best they can. But medicine and equipment are in short supply. Above ground, there is a chilling reminder of the brutality of this second Chechnya conflict. The body of a teenager hangs - killed by rebels when they heard he had been giving away their positions to the Russians. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/e87a51de11f813fe6e05c130bc50c8fe Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork