Chechen rebels step up “mine warfare”

Rebels and their accomplices in Chechnya are stepping up the waging of “mine warfare,” officials at the staff of the federal forces in the North Caucasus say. Yesterday, 42 explosives were found and diffused in the republic – they had been planted on the roads, in administrative buildings, in public places. According to Interfax, 5 land mines went off yesterday killing one person and hurting 7. 21 times federal checkpoints and blockposts were fired at by unidentified gunmen. A reconnaissance unit spotted 2 concentrations of rebel forces, 1 military base, and an ammunition depot. The depot was wiped out while the base and rebel units were shelled. 17 persons were detained in the course of ID checks. As a result of special raids, 20 rifles were seized. According to the staff’ spokespersons, 70kg of explosives and 2 grenade-launchers were also discovered in Grozny yesterday.