The government announced that between 2.500 and 3,500 organized rebels remain in southern Chechnya. Intense fighting continues around several villages. Russia admitted that a four day (29 February-3 March) battle 40 kilometers southeast of Grozny  had  caused more casualties than earlier reported. The Russian unit involved was a paratrooper company and it was almost completely wiped out by a larger rebel force in a well laid ambush and subsequent pursuit. Actual Russian losses were 84 dead, plus some wounded.  Meanwhile, Russia announced that it will sign the anit-landmine treaty and destroy it's stock of 60 million mines.