According to data from the Russian Defense Ministry the federal low-flying attack planes are striking blows in the vicinity of Grozny. The Ministry's press service reported that the Chechen militants in Grozny are getting ready for defensive actions: they are fortifying the ground floors of buildings in the city and installing mines in the streets of Grozny. The Russian air force has destroyed rebel military equipment in the vicinity of Samashky and Pobedinskoye villages. The press service of the Defense Ministry stated the rebels are suffering huge losses but continue to resist.