Russian Security Service Does Not Confirm Allegations That Arab Terrorist Khattab Was Wounded

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has no information confirming allegations that Arab terrorist Khattab was wounded in the Vedeno region of Chechnya. On Monday, December 10, Nikolai Patrushev, the FSB director, stated that federal forces' primary objective in Chechnya had remained the same - to capture and illuminate rebels' leaders. According to him, federal forces are currently conducting massive "arrests and further filtration of militants." "Those who have no blood on their hands should start peaceful life, while those responsible for crimes, will face trial," the FSB director emphasised. In addition, he stated that when conducting special operations in Chechnya, "we stick to one basic criterion - to minimise casualties among federal servicemen and Chechen civilians."