Grozny, Shali Villages Lead Chechnya In Terror

Chechnya's regional capital Grozny and a number of villages in the Shali District remain prime targets of terrorism and subversion in the republic, sources in the FSB domestic security service's Chechnya Office said. The two areas have been the scene of more than 50 percent of all terrorist acts targeting local government and law enforcement officials. Law enforcement agencies say the latest series of special operations has dealt a heavy blow to guerrilla groups by seriously disrupting their organization structure. The FSB Office said rebel leaders in Chechnya are now frantically trying to patch up the damaged command and control structure and establish communication lines between isolated guerrilla groups. Guerrilla agents have also tried to replace the casualties by busily recruiting young people in Shali and Avtury, FSB sources added. Official reports put the guerrilla death toll during the last week at 29. 237 suspected members of guerilla bands were pulled in during the operation and 95 motor vehicles were seized from them. During the same period, the guerrillas appear to have lost 88 guns and an enormous amount of ammunition - cartridges, mortar shells, artillery rounds, and explosive material.