The war in Chechnya grinds on, with the rebels increasingly on the defensive. This Winter, Russian commandos are more active in hunting for rebel camps. Normally, the rebels hunker down during the Winter, and this makes them more vulnerable. More Chechens are opting to side with pro-Russian Chechen factions, and this makes it easier for the Russian commandoes to get tips on where the rebel Winter camps are. Moreover, the new government in Georgia has been more cooperative with Russia in going after Chechen rebel camps in northern Georgia. The rebels are still setting off roadside bombs and ambushing police and troops. But the attacks are fewer, as are the number of Chechens willing to make them.