Security stepped up in GroznyTimur Aliyev, North Caucasus – The police tightened security in Grozny today in order to prevent Chechen guerrilla fighters from carrying out sabotage and terrorist acts, announced the Interior Ministry of the Chechen Republic.
“We expect the fighters to attack the city,” the ministry said. “A state of emergency has been announced for the ministry’s staff. Some four thousand Chechen policemen have been engaged in ensuring the security of people.”
Increased security measures are particularly apparent in tougher car checks at checkpoints and limited traffic at the entrance to Grozny, as well as in the center of the city. Additional police patrols appeared along roads.
Many local facilities were closed and employees were sent home. Some people have left the city and fled to [their] villages or neighbouring Ingushetia.
“Maybe nothing will happen. But it’s better for us to wait out this day with our families in [the Ingush town of] Nazran and come back home on August 7 or 8,” says Zina Telkhigova from Grozny.
“A few days prior to August 6, leaflets with warnings about the [planned] storming of Grozny were spread,” she explains.
August 6 is a significant date for Chechnya. Seven years ago, in 1996, on this day Chechen guerrilla fighters launched their attack on Grozny. After a two-week battle, the federal army was forced to give up the city and withdraw from Chechnya.
(P/T) |
