KHANKALA. July 17 (Interfax-AVN) - A special federal operation in Chechnya has resulted in the elimination of field commander Umarov, who was the emir (chief) of the Avtury village in the Shali district, a competent source in the unified federal headquarters told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday.
"According to data from radio interception, a considerable share of the local rebel leadership in the Avtury village was eliminated as well in the course of the operation," the source said.
That is why guerrilla leaders are urgently sending rebel gangs to the Shali district from the vicinity of Urus-Martan. "Field commander Abuazidov, whose detachment comprises 15 to 20 extremists, is already appointed Umarov's successor," the source went on.
According to him, the rebels plan to penetrate the district in small groups comprising two to three people posing as seasonal workers. In order to prevent this ID-checks are stepped up in the district and urgent security measures are taken.