There are reports of fierce fighting between insurgents and Russian security forces, including elite anti-terrorist units, in Kabardino-Balkaria in the northern Caucasus.
Rebel forces have confirmed that one of their "mobile units" is currently engaging Russian forces in the Elbrus district of the province. It is understood that the engagement began sometime yesterday. Information on what is taking place has been sketchy, Russian Forces say they have no stable communications due to adverse weather conditions - Elbrus is located high in the Caucusus Mountains and is a popular ski resort. Local residents have reported the use of fighter aircraft to bombard suspected rebel positions as well as heavy artillery and mortars.
Russian Forces initially claimed that they had ambushed and eliminated a squad of rebel fighters, this was quickly retracted and security forces have now claimed to have killed three fighters. They have also stated that three members of the elite anti-terrorist unit have been seriously wounded. Rebel forces have not confirmed any casualties. A local police officer has said that one Russian soldier was killed and six wounded.
Both rebel and Russian security forces frequently over-exaggerate each others losses while playing down their own. Media is banned from Chechnya and surrounding areas making independent verifications of casualties almost impossible.
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