MOSCOW. Dec 31 : Russian aircraft made 83 sorties in Chechnya and destroyed several rebel strongholds in the past day. Interfax news agency said today, reports AFP.

Air raids were concentrated on rebel bases in the mountainous south of the breakaway Caucasus republic, the agency said, quoting a Russian military statement.

Preliminary damage assessments showed 25 rebel fortifications were destroyed, along with some artillery pieces and communications hardware.

Meanwhile. Russia threat-

ened to use more powerful weapons against Chechen rebels Thursday, betraying Impatience with its campaign as Its troops clashed on the streets of Grozny for the sixth day.

Moscow's warning mentioned no specific arms but. according to analysts, implied use of either aerosol bombs or missiles that destroy even those hiding under ground. Il was quickly condemned by Washington. which again reminded Russia of the human cost of the nearly four-month war.

"Our concerns rest with the use of indiscriminate force that

results in the loss of life of innocent civilians." White House spokesman Jim Fallin said.

The heaviest fighting in Grozny, where an estimated 2.000 fighters are thought to be dug In, came In the western districts of the city as the well as the suburb of Staraya Sunzha. where rebels claimed to have made gains.

Russian Uragan and Grad rocket launchers rained down artillery shells on the city center while Russian warp! res I pummelled the edges of i. < shelled-out capital from the air. |