Investigations into the case of the well-known field commander Salman Raduev has been completed. The Supreme Court of Russia is now to decide what court shall examine the case. Salman Raduev was captured in March 2000 and faces charges of terrorism and hostage-taking in connection with events in 1996.
Tuesday, August 14
Fierce fighting, described as heaviest attack of the Chechen fighters in the past seventeen months, which had been going on in southern Chechnya in and near the town of Vedeno since Sunday, resulted in the Chechen fighters partly retaking the area. Russian sources denied the reports by independent agencies claiming that the situation is under their control, however, reinforcement troops have been sent to the area. Presidential spokesman, Sergei Yastrzhembsky called the latest developments „an imitation of activity by the gangs.“
Wednesday, August 15
The Russian army have fired Scud missiles at Vedeno district, which had been used in early stages of current military campaign in Chechnya. The use of Scud missiles is in stark contrast to the recurring statements by the Russian military officials that the war is over.
Two months have passed since the reopening of the permanent mission of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe in Chechnya. According to the head of the mission, Alexandru Cornea, no significant achievements have been made so far.
Thursday, August 16
No major events.
Friday, August 17
Chechen fighters have shot down a third helicopter in five days in the southern part of Chechnya, said former minister of information Movladi Udugov. The information was confirmed by Prague Watchdog local correspondent in the Northern Caucasus and partly denied by Russian officials who only admitted to two helicopters having been shot down.
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