Rebel raids and landmine explosions killed at least 10 Russian soldiers and police in Chechnya, an official with the Kremlin-backed civilian administration said today.

Rebels have ambushed a federal convoy in southern Chechnya, killing five soldiers and wounding another five, according to official sources.

Russian forces have launched an aerial assault against Chechen rebels across the breakaway province.

Seven Russian servicemen have been killed in land mine explosions and clashes with rebels in Chechnya over the past 24 hours.

Ten Russian servicemen have been killed in Chechnya by land mines and rebel attacks over the past 24 hours.