Since year start federal secret services have eliminated over 600 militants in Chechnya

The federal special services in cooperation with other units have destroyed over 600 militants in Chechnya since the start of 2002, Sergei Babkin, chief of the Chechnya board of the Federal Security Service (FSB), said in Grozny on Tuesday.

Since the year start about 1,500 small arms, over 600 kilograms of explosive substances, 41 militant bases in highland regions, over 1,000 hideouts with arms, ammunition and food have been wiped out, he said. With the help of the secret services 11 hostages taken by militants have also been set free.

Work of his board enjoys increasing support from the Chechen population, said the Russian general. One proof is the fact that it employs over 150 Chechens, he said.

Next year the special services will go on to destroy members of the illegal armed formations. One of the main goals set to the FSB board will also be work against foreign special services in Chechnya. "It is no secret that they reinvigorated their activities in Chechnya under Dudayev and Maskhadov. The network which foreign secret services unfolded during that period will for a long time be spearheaded against Russia", said the general. Still, he in convinced that in two to three years to come the situation in Chechnya will "become finally stabilized".