RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: RUSSIAN ARMY DEMORALIZED BY LATEST REBEL ATTACK

(10 Mar 1996) Russian/Nat Although the Russian military has now regained control of Grozny after several days of fierce fighting, the Russian army has been left deeply demoralized by the latest rebel attacks. The streets of the capital were quite early Sunday, but Russian soldiers at checkpoints were still nervous and expect another attack at any time. They claim that they are only in control of the surrounding areas. This is the square where the Presidential Palace once stood - now all that is left of it is in ruins. An estimated 30-thousand people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the fighting. Sporadic sniper fire was reported through the night Saturday. Government officials say it will take several days to flush out the snipers and dispose of mines placed in many buildings in the city. In the meantime, Russian forces patrol the streets in large numbers. Following the four-day assault, Grozny is largely without water or electricity and bread supplies are scarce. A food