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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Bad guys fighting it out since Maskhadov's death |
| 2005-04-28 |
| The armed group of killed Chechen warlord Aslan Maskhadov and supporters of his surviving leadership rival Shamil Basayev are haggling over cash flows from abroad, a spokesman for the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus, Ilya Shabalkin, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti. Russian intelligence services reported that Basayev has been trying to subordinate Maskhadov's aides who control cash channels from abroad. The rebel leader aims to establish personal control over the entire funding of bandit groups in Chechnya, but the guerillas who used to support Maskhadov refuse to serve under him. After Maskhadov was killed on March 8 by Russia's FSB Special Forces, they elected a new leader of the so-called Ichkerian republic (the name given to Chechnya by the separatists), Abdul-Khalim Saidulayev. Some rebels do not recognize either Basayev or Saidulayev. Shabalkin said those who refrain from fighting in illegal armed groups may become victims of revenge attacks. Thus, they prefer to give up criminal activities and are either leaving Chechnya or surrendering to federal forces if they lack the finances to travel abroad. Shabalkin, however, did not specify, how many militants had already surrendered to law enforcement bodies since March. Commentators have repeatedly said that Basayev would claim the leadership after Maskhadov's death. But this is the first time Russian military officials have acknowledged the confrontation between Maskhadov's and Basayev's guerillas. Ilya Shabalkin also added that intelligence has established Shamil Basayev's whereabouts. The sources said he refuses to take part in fighting against federal forces and is considering the possibility of giving himself up. No confirmation of this information has been received from the warlord's representatives so far. Rebel Web site Kavkazcenter continues to post news about acts of violence in Chechnya. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #1 Popcorn yet? |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2005-04-28 8:37:57 PM |