The Russian Military has admitted that one of it's soldiers has been killed and seven injured following a prolonged gun battle with separatists in the Elbrus region of Kabardino-Balkaria.
The popular skiing resort had been the scene of fierce clashes between rebels and security forces over the last week. Earlier Russian news agency's reported that five rebels had been killed in an ambush by members of Russia's Elite Anti-Terrorist Unit, this was later reduced to three before the statement was retracted.
Reports emerging from the area indicate that an attempt to ambush a rebel "mobile commando unit" failed. Rebels have stated that their forces managed to break through an attempted encirclement and safely return to base without suffering any fatalities. The rebels did not confirm whether any of their fighters had been injured.
A resident in the nearby village of Mardzhanoy said:
"We're in shock. Helicopters were flying, armored vehicles moved in . Strikes and shooting were heard. What kind of strikes they were, we can't tell, it is impossible to say for sure if you are present on the battle site. In the afternoon, a lot of military vehicles drove up into a valley".
It has been reported that Russian forces used jets, helicopters, heavy artillery and mortars to bombard nearby rebel positions.
Nearby towns and villages are currently under military curfew and the movement of people and vehciles in surrounding areas has been heavily restricted.
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