 50 rebels of those approximately 200 who took part in Thursday raid on Kabardino-Balkarian capital Nalchik were killed by Russian troops, the head of Russiaâs General Staff, General Yury Baluevsky was quoted by Interfax as saying. The General Staff also dismissed reports about the killing of Russiaâs most wanted terrorist Shamil Basayev, who was reportedly involved in the attack, saying they do not have evidence of his presence in Kabardino-Balkaria.Yury Baluevsky said that according to the rebelsâ tactics their aim was âto attract the attention of Russian and international communityâ. Meanwhile, two centers of resistance remain in Nalchik, RIA Novosti reported. Guerillas have taken hostages in a police station and are currently holding several people there. Local media reported earlier that three women managed to escape while terrorists were praying. Another group is defending itself by shooting from a shop. Many shops are currently closed in the city, public transport work was suspended. People, however, gather on quite streets to discuss the attack. A deputy state prosecutor Vladimir Kolesnikov said earlier that a total of 12 civilians and 12 policemen were killed when Chechen rebels launched attacks on police and army buildings in Nalchik. Many media, nevertheless, say the death toll amounts up to 60 people. |