KHANKALA. Dec 18 (Interfax-AVN) - The number of guerillas operating in Chechnya is estimated at 1,500, the Russian military in Khankala told Interfax.
In particular, the unit led by prominent warlord Khattab numbers up to 500 rebels, Shamil Basayev's up to 400 men, gangs led by Ruslan Gelayev and Ruslan Akhmadov up to 250 guerillas, Aslan Maskhadov commands about 150 rebels, and other ringleaders up to 100 men each.
The Russian military does not rule out that the extremist formations could be beefed up by other guerillas from CIS countries, where up to 1,000 rebels are concentrated at the moment.
Minor gangs totaling some 50 rebels are operating in northern Chechnya and attempting to recruit reinforcement among the youth. The guerrilla grouping on Chechen plains has increased considerably, as it was joined by a part of forces earlier stationed in Ingushetia and mountains, the military claim.
"According to our estimates, up to 800 armed bandits are operating on the plains, and most of them are concentrated in Grozny, Argun and other big cities," the military said.
Some 200 guerrillas are staying in the western Chechen districts of Achkhoi-Martan and Urus-Martan, as well as in the Argun gorge. A group of rebels apparently led by Vakha Arsanov has been spotted on the outskirts of Achkhoi-Martan.
Up to 500 militants are operating in the south-eastern districts of Vedeno and Nozhai-Yurt. In addition to staging terrorist acts, they intimidate the locals and kill those who cooperate with federals and local administrations. va tl