Chechen rebels kill 10 Russian soldiers

Chechen rebels have killed at least 10 Russian soldiers in the past 24 hours in a series of attacks throughout the breakaway republic.

Four soldiers died when their vehicles hit explosives planted by the Chechen separatists on the streets of the capital, Grozny.

Another three died when their convoy was ambushed in the southern Shali region, while at least two were killed in attacks on 15 Russian outposts across the country.

Another serviceman died when shells were fired at a military vehicle in the eastern city of Guldermes yesterday.

In retaliation, the Russian Army sent warplanes and helicopter gunships to attack suspected rebel bases in the southern mountains and launched a search for suspected militants in several southern villages.