Federal commander claims Basayev is dead

Gennady Troshev, in command of the North Caucasus military district, has cited intelligence reports saying Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev has been killed. When asked by reporters, on Monday, whether the terrorist was really dead, Mr Troshev said he possessed intelligence information testifying to the fact. Too many conjectures were made and too many doubted the news of international terrorist Hattab's death, recalled the commander. However, everybody had to admit the fact when evidence was provided, said Mr Troshev. He then appealed to wait until indisputable evidence is given. "Anyway, "field commanders" are getting less and less numerous," noted the commander.