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Chechen rebels claimed to have attacked a convoy of three marine trucks and several airborne fighting vehicles in the district center of Vedeno. The rebels claim that two APCs were destroyed on the spot after hitting a landmine. They also claim that three marines were killed and at least nine wounded. There were unconfirmed reports that the Russian military responded by pounding the southern Vedeno district from the air and shelling suspected rebel bases. At least 180 people were detained on suspicion of aiding the rebels.
The Russians did acknowledge that eight of their troops died on October 27-28: four were killed and five wounded in 18 separate rebel attacks on military outposts, while two more died when their jeep was ambushed near the town of Shali. Another Russian was killed when rebels blew up a train carrying oil (derailing two cars, but not starting a fire). An eighth soldier was killed in a gunfight near Tsa-Vedeno.
According to the Russians, MI-8, MI-24 and MI-26 Halo helicopters flew more than 300 missions in Chechnya from October 27 to November 2, providing air support for reconnaissance units or personnel and cargo convoys. - Adam Geibel