GROZNY. Feb 4 (Interfax-AVN) - A large-scale special operation is underway in Novye and Starye Atagi, in southern Chechnya. Interior Ministry troopers have fully encircled the two villages. Roads to the villages and the nearby Grozny-Shatoi-Itum- Kale highway are closed to traffic.
More than 20,000 people live in the blocked area, the Chechen authorities say. The operation started eight days ago, a source in the Chechen administration has told Interfax.
More than five locations of firearms, ammunition and explosives have been found, the Chechen Department of the Federal Security Service said on Monday morning. Homemade landmines, a grenade launcher, an anti-tank guided projectile, mines, sub- machine guns and pistols have been confiscated.
Dozens of people have been detained in both villages for identification and the checking of possible rebel links. Dozens of people amass daily on the outskirts of the villages, the Shali district administration said. People were out when the operation began, and they are now trying to get home. There has been no information about armed incidents. It is known that one person was killed in the floodlands of the Argun River on the second day of the operation while trying to run away from servicemen. It has not been said when the operation will be over.