TSKHINVALI. Aug 23 (Interfax-AVN) - The mixed peacekeeping force conducted a raid in the Georgia-Ossetia conflict zone on Wednesday due to a reported move by Chechen militants from the Pankisi Gorge to the mountains of the Akhalgora district, the contingent's commander Major General Vasily Prizemlin told Interfax- Military News Agency on Friday.
"The reports concerning a Chechen militant group have been confirmed. However, they left the area before the special operation was launched, and disappeared in an unknown direction," Prizemlin said.
It is not ruled out that Vice Colonel Zurab Durglishvili of Georgia was kidnapped on August 15 by Chechen rebels as well, the general noted.
Prizemlin rebuffed Georgia's accusations that peacekeepers went beyond their zone of responsibility.
"The peacekeepers have the right to pursue bandits in neighboring districts," he said.