Russia Says Chechen Fighters Infiltrated From Georgia Wiped Out

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 3, 2002) – Russia claims operation against Chechen fighters infiltrated into Russia from Georgia’s Pankisi gorge is completed in Chechnya’s Itum-Kale district, where the armed clashes started on July 27.

Russian media sources report quoting Russian Regional Anti-Terrorist Department official Ilia Shabalin that the Russian troops in this part of Chechnya are patrolling the area on the regular basis. According to him a group of armed Chechen fighters is wiped out.

According to the Russian reports up to 60 Chechen fighters penetrated from Georgia last week. Russian border guard officials anticipate that the incursion of Chechen fighters from Pankisi will be repeated.