24 December 2003, 11:40
Group of rebels in Dagestan led by Shamil Basayev's mate
Locals report they saw Dagestani Isa Makasharipov among commanders of the Chechen unit acting on the territory of the Tsuntinsky district in Dagestan. Makasharipov was one of Shamil Basayev's closest mates.
According to the press service of the "Gornaya" group of federal troops, the unit is still blocked on a mountainside between the villages of Sagada, Mitrida and Tazili. "This is a highly disciplined and well-equipped group. The rebels are trained well," said the press secretary of the "Gornaya" group, Colonel Yaroslav Moskalik. Federal air forces are striking at places of the rebels' possible location.
The main action to destroy the rebels in the region is scheduled for December 24-25. On December 23, the elite unit "Vimpel" of Russian special operations forces arrived in the region of the operation.
Editors note: See also the article: "Bombing attack on possible shelter of rebel group in Dagestan"
Source: REGNUM News Agency
