Russians Rout Rebels In Chechen City

Russian troops shelled Chechnya’s second-largest city Saturday to rout Chechen rebels, then sealed it so most terrified civilians could not leave and aid workers could not get in.

The few residents who did escape Gudermes on Saturday told reporters for independent NTV that their city was devastated.

Guerrillas seeking independence for Chechnya attacked Gudermes Dec. 14, in a bid to disrupt elections called by Moscow.