Shamil Basayev (file photo) (CTK)
March 10, 2006 -- The Moscow-backed prime minister of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, says some 3,000 security forces are engaged in a manhunt for Shamil Basayev, a top Chechen separatist military commander and one of Russia's most wanted men.
Kadyrov also said Chechen security forces have routed nearly all armed militant groups in the restive republic. Former militants who have put down their arms are participating in the manhunt for Basayev, Kadyrov said.
Russian troops and their Chechen allies come under almost daily attacks by militants in Chechnya.
Over the Chechen border with Russia's southern republic of Ingushetia, two Russian special forces officers were reported on March 10 to have been severely wounded after coming under fire.
The incident took place in the village of Ordzhonikidzevksaya. The Ingush Interior Ministry says security forces are hunting down the attackers.
(Interfax, ITAR-TASS)
Crisis In Chechnya
Crisis In Chechnya
RFE/RL's complete coverage of Russia's war-torn Republic of Chechnya.