``The paratroopers heading the assault on the capital clashed with a large guerrilla group early today near the village of Tsentoroi on the outskirts of Grozny. Rebels after few hours of gunbattle left 36 of their dead on the battlefield,'' Itar-Tass reported quoting Russian army field commanders.

The agency said that the Russian unit destroyed an anti-aircraft gun, a mortar and seized a high caliber machine-gun, a space communication station and a reconaissance armoured vehicle in the battle.

Tass said that the reconnaissance vehicle had inscription of battle hardened units of late president Dudaayev's bodyguards indicated that advancing Russian forces had now forced the estimated 6,000 to 8,000 war veteran Chechen rebel elements to join the battle outsideGrozny.

The reports said that Russian troops were battling rebels for the control of the road between Grozny and the city of Urus Martan, 20 km southwest of Grozny, as they used MI-24 helicopter gunships and warplanes to sever the rebels last major supply route.

Tass said Russian warplanes and artillery guns had pounded 35 settlements, including Grozny.

Quoting defence ministry spokesman, Tass said that strikes had been delivered on targeters of strategic importance for militants, their strongholds, bases and places were Chechen fighters are concentrated.

It said the troops were preparing for operations in the mountains and urban areas.