NALCHIK, Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Republic. Oct 15 (Interfax-AVN) - The Kabardino-Balkarian law-enforcement agencies are taking measures to prevent the penetration of the Georgian-Chechen rebel group in the republic, Lieutenant General Khachim Shogenov, chief of the Kabardino-Balkarian special operations headquarters and interior minister, said on Monday.
The Elbrus and Karachayevo-Cherkessian border straps are considered the most dangerous border sections, and additional forces and means have been relocated there. Interaction between units of the North Caucasus regional border guard department, Interior Ministry troops and military commissioner's offices is established to prevent a rebel breakthrough from Abkhazia. A reinforced motorised rifle battalion of the 19th motorised rifle division is used as an operational reserve.
All units of the Defence Ministry, border guard forces, Interior Ministry troops and police are put on high alert in Karachayevo-Cherkessia. According to reconnaissance data, up to 14 rebel groups who managed to break the circle near the Sakharnaya Golova mountain in the Gulripsh district of Abkhazia areexpected to try crossing the border in that area. A battalion of the 7th airborne division is deployed at one of the most dangerous sectors.
According to a spokesman in the republic's government administration, the Ministry of Industry supplies the necesary amount of fuel and lubricants to all military and police units.