19 killed as militants launch attack in Grozny
Print Edition
SECURITY forces in the capital of Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Chechnya stormed two buildings in gun battles with militants yesterday that left at least 19 dead, authorities said.
The fighting, which punctured stability ensured by years of heavy-handed rule by the Kremlin-appointed leader, erupted hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin was to give his annual state of the nation address in Moscow.
In his address, Putin said he was confident that local Chechen forces were capable of dealing with the “rebels,” who he suggested were receiving support from abroad.
The National Anti-Terrorist Committee said militants traveling in three cars entered the republic’s capital, Grozny, at 1am, killing three traffic police, and occupied the 10-story Press House. The federal agency said six gunmen were killed in the building, which was gutted in a fire.
More gunmen were later found in a nearby school and security forces were sent to “liquidate” them, the agency said. No students or teachers were in the school, RIA Novosti quoted vice principal Islam Dzhabrailov as saying.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who traveled to Moscow for Putin’s address in the Kremlin, said that the security operation was completed and his forces had killed at least nine militants.
The National Anti-Terrorist Committee said 10 officers were killed and 28 wounded.
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