MAKHACHKALA, June 19 (AVN) - An attack battalion of the Northern Fleet marine troops is returning to the area of permanent stationing after accomplishing combat missions in Chechnya, a source in the Navy unified marine group told the Military News Agency.
The marines were sent to the North Caucasus on September 20, 1999. They were taking Gudermes as part of the eastern federal group, participated in some winter mountain operations. In the course of the recent operation in the Nozhai-Yurt district, having blocked the villages of Bachi-Yurt, Djiurty and Yalkhoi-Mokh, the marines managed to push a rebel gang to a mine field where it was eliminated by artillery and aviation fire.
Over 900 marines were given combat awards for courage and heroism displayed during the North Caucasus operation. Three servicemen became Heroes of Russia.