Operation to destroy bandit group in full swing in Chechnya

Federal forces are carrying out an operation to destroy a bandit group in Chechen mountains.

According to Vladimir Moltenskoi, the Commander of the Joint Group of Forces, the operation started the day before when a reconnaissance unit located the place where rebels where meeting.

According to Moltenskoi, federal troops conducted two air borne operations in the area - in the morning and evening.

The Commander stated that the bandits had been surrounded and "no one will save them from elimination." He added that as a result of a night clash, bandits suffered losses. No casualties among federal troops have been reported. According to Moltenskoi, the operation is expected to be completed before dusk.