14:53, 11 March 2004

Ramzan Kadyrov reports on liquidation of rebel commander in Chechnya

A rebel group commander has been killed in Chechnya, Chechen presidential security service chief Ramzan Kadyrov told Interfax on March 10.

"An armed clash with an illegal armed group took place during a large-scale special operation involving units of the presidential security service and the Chechen Interior Ministry. Six rebels were killed and another four injured. Aslan Gazuyev, commander of the Riada-as-Salikhin rebel group, which was part of Shamil Basayev's unit, was killed as well. The clash occurred between the villages of Shuani and Yalkhoi-Mokhk in the Kurchaloy district," Ramzan Kadyrov said.

Another 17 rebels have surrendered to the Chechen authorities. A total of 15 rebels were killed during the 10-day operation.

Source: Interfax News Agency