Spread of Chechen war feared

NAZRAN - The risk of Russia's 14 month war with Chechen rebels spreading across the north Caucasus came a step closer yesterday…

NAZRAN - The risk of Russia's 14 month war with Chechen rebels spreading across the north Caucasus came a step closer yesterday with reports of Russian attacks on a village in Ingushetia.

Local leaders in Ingushetia, on Chechnya's western border, said Russian troops pounded areas near the village of Arshty for a fourth day and claimed Moscow was trying to drag them into the Chechen conflict.

Officials said six people have been killed and 11 wounded in the last three days.