Rebels occupied several villages near Grozny, including Komsomolskoye, Ulus-Kert, Selmentauzen and Vedeno. Thus the rebels are moving back towards Grozny, rather than south into the mountains. This makes sense, in a way, as the Georgian border is guarded by many Russian troops and the only other source of food is in the densely populated areas around Grozny. The rebels are sticking together in large groups of several hundred fighters. This is to Russias advantage, as they can more effectively use their superior firepower against these larger groups.