MOSCOW. Dec 30 (Interfax-AVN) - A group of rebels blockaded by Russian forces in the mountains in Dagestan, a Russian region bordering Chechnya, are moving toward Georgia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said, citing one of the group members taken prisoner on Monday by Russian special forces.
The FSB public relations center told Interfax the rebel it was citing had said there were Arab mercenaries in the group and that they had shot dead two group members who wanted to surrender.
The rebel also said the Arabs had chosen the ten most battle- ready group members, had taken warm clothing and food away from the rest and had left them to cover their retreat, according to the Center.
Of those who stayed behind, ten were killed by Russian forces and eight were buried by an avalanche caused by Russian fire.
The Center also said a border guard unit had arrested two of the retreating rebels, who confirmed that the rest were moving toward Georgia.
One more member of the retreating group was arrested on Monday evening.
The prisoners said there were well-known Arab field commanders in the group.