GROZNY. May 24 (Interfax-AVN) - Rebel warlord Ruslan Gelayev and his groups are getting ready to move to Chechnya from Georgia to participate in combat operations against federal forces, a spokesman for the regional operational headquarters in charge of the Chechnya campaign told Interfax-Military News Agency on Friday.
The information on the matter is circulated by Gelayev and his supporters, the spokesman said.
Gelayev allegedly ordered field commanders Kadayev and Isabayev to take their groups to the Achkhoi-Martan, Urus-Martan and Vedeno districts of Chechnya. A group of Arab mercenaries is also rumored to be getting ready for a trip to Chechnya.
Taking into account the history of the spring and summer campaign of 2001, the spokesman said that Gelayev was apparently trying to fool rebel leaders in Chechnya once again.
"As it happened last year he promises aid and support but will not leave Georgia at all," the spokesman stressed.
Citing reconnaissance information he said that in current circumstances Chechen separatist leaders were putting high hopes on rebel groups located in Georgia. "Gelayev's group looks combat- ready and equipped with all it needs in comparison with worn-out rebel gangs operating in Chechnya that suffer from lack of money and arms," the spokesman said.
He added that a rebel group comprising some 40 people had recently appeared near the Agishty village in the Vedeno district. Federals found out that it was led by Supyan Abdullayev, who was once a close associate of warlord Shamil Basayev. It has been reported that the group aims to implant Wahhabism in the district. Federals are taking measures to encircle and eliminate the gang.