About 2,000 militants operating in Chechnya

At present, the number of militants operating in Chechnya is estimated at 1,500-1,700, according to Ilya Shabalkin, spokesman for the regional HQ for counter-terrorist operations in the North Caucasus.

In his words, the militants include many mercenaries from CIS and non-CIS countries, and Russian citizens from other parts of the country.

We are waging an increasingly targeted fight against them. In November police detained 122 bandits, with over 20 of them eliminated when trying to open fire, said Shabalkin.

Besides, he added, over 70 people on the federal wanted list were arrested. Police confiscated 273 firearms units and 160,000 units of ammunition.