Russia - Russian Bloody Assault Fails To End Siege

(19 Jun 1995) T/I: 10:21:32 STORY: HOSTAGES LOCATION: BUDENNOVSK DATE: 17 JUNE 1995 DURATION: Russian bloody assault fails to end siege Dozens of hostages were killed but the siege of the Budennovsk hospital continued after Russian troops opened fire and tried to storm the Chechen gunmen holding about 1,000 captives inside on Saturday (17/6). The Russians launched an assault at dawn supported by tanks and helicopters. Some of the hostages waved white sheets from shattered windows and screamed for the Russians to stop firing as rocket-grenades and machinegun bullets tore into the building, which caught fire. The fighting ebbed after three hours and both sides began talking by telephone. About 160 women and children hostages were then released, many of them angry with the Russians for opening fire on the hospital, saying dozens of hostages had died. Others said the Chechens had treated them well, sharing their food. As the negotiations dragged on, the Russians launched a renewed assault, but this too failed. It’s believed at least five Russian soldiers and ten Chechen rebels died in the fighting, along with the unknown number of hostages. SHOWS: (BUDUNNOVSK, RUSSIA 17/6) Soldiers run across open ground. Soldiers massed behind wall. Civilians flee across road. Soldiers cross road behind tank as they launch assault on hospital. WS soldiers behind tank. Tank moving and firing. Hospital facade. Gun flash from behind wall. Tracking shot of soldiers lying on ground. Soldier on ground with telescopic sight. Hospital facade. CU hospital facade with white flags. Tank with tracks off being towed away. Casualty put in ambulance. Hostages led by nurse with white flag. Group of released pregnant women. Woman with baby. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: