Chechen rebels redeploy reserves to Chechnya

Chechen militants have begun redeploying their reserves to Chechnya. According to the staff of the Joint Group of Forces, "in June, up to 300 rebels infiltrated from Dagestan to the Nozhai-Urt, Vedeno and Kurchaloi distracts of the Chechen republic." According to the staff, "young men, aged from 15 to 17, who have joined illegal armed formations over the past few days, are increasing in numbers." "They are subsequently deployed to mountainous regions, the Vedeno district, in particular, for military training and to study learn mine warfare.

At the same time, staff officers stressed that "federal forces totally control the situation." As a result of recent special operations to destroy separate bandit groups, the rebels have "virtually lost their ability to carry out serious operations," the officers stated.

According to RIA Novosti's source, several special operations have been launched in the Grozny, Kurchaloi, Nozhai-Urt and Shali districts over the past 24 hours. As a result, 9 rebels were killed, 11 suspects have been detained. Their involvement in illegal armed formations is currently being investigated. Troops have also found much ammunition and weapons and destroyed 224 mini oil refineries.