KHANKALA. Aug 16 (Interfax-AVN) - Special services have evidence proving that ideologists of illegal armed formations are preparing an information campaign depicting "savage actions by federal troops," the command of the Combined Federal Forces in the North Caucasus said in a press release obtained by Interfax- Military News Agency on Friday.
"Rebels may use a 'statement' given by a non-existent 'deserter', and counterfeited fragments of soldiers' letters they allegedly seized. It is quite possible that after the known provocation in Shatoi, which seems to be the highlight of rebel plans for summer 2002, significant political importance will be attached to this campaign," says the release.
Rebel groups have scaled up activity in northern Chechnya. Two officers of the Chechen riot police have been killed in the Vedeno and Dyshne-Vedeno villages of the Vedeno district. Nevertheless, the transfer of powers from interim police departments to regular district police departments continues, the release says.