GROZNY. March 1 (Interfax-AVN) - Federal troops in Chechnya conducted a series of special efforts to trace and neutralize rebel formations during the past 24 hours.
The press service of the unified federal troops group in the North Caucasus told Interfax that the operations were conducted in seven places, including the capital Grozny and the foothills.
Early reports say 12 rebels were killed and 10 detained. Federals confiscated from shelters and caches 18 pieces of small arms, 18 grenade launchers, 50 grenades, 28,500 cartridges as well as explosive devices. The losses are affectional enough for rebels, the press service reported.
Three rebels were killed in an engagement near the Elistanzhi village in the Vedeno district. Two rebels were eliminated when Interior Ministry servicemen carried out a search operation in the Leninsky district of Grozny.
The unified federal headquarters is taking measures to disrupt channels of financing used by rebel groups.
The federal forces blasted and dismantled some 30 illegal oil refineries on Thursday alone.