GROZNY SURROUNDED

Russian forces say they have now encircled Grozny, capital of the separatist republic of Chechnya, thus "fully excluding the possibility" of rebel reinforcements entering the city. Russia has claimed control over the capital before. But today, military commanders said as many as 200 Russian armored vehicles and 50 tanks had completed a double ring around Grozny. Chechens now control only the city's southwestern quarter.