This article assesses Russia's counterinsurgency operations during the latest war in Chechnya. We look briefly at the geographic and military context of the war, the events that precipitated the renewed ªghting, and the early results of the conflict. We then examine the tactics used by Chechen guerrillas and the responses by Russian soldiers and security forces. We consider why Russian troops and police, who outnumber the rebels by more than fifty to one, have been unable to eliminate armed resistance in Chechnya. | 
