Experts question data on CTOs in Chechnya

It is not difficult to identify those killed in counterterrorist operations (CTOs); therefore, Chechen law enforcers should explain their mistake in identifying Kazbek Baidulaev and other persons killed in CTOs, the experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 15, a counterterrorist operation (CTO) took place in the Achkhoi-Martan District of Chechnya, after which Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov announced that suspected militant Kazbek Baidulaev had been killed in the special operation. According to the law enforcement bodies, Kazbek Baidulaev refused to surrender, tried to throw a grenade at law enforcers, and was killed by return fire. Meanwhile, the name of Kazbek Baidulaev was already mentioned among the suspects killed in the special operation conducted on October 11 in the Sernovodsky District of Chechnya near the border with Ingushetia.

"It's difficult to explain their mistake in establishing the names of the killed militants. Chechen law enforcers themselves should answer this question," Sergey Goncharov, the president of the international association of veterans of the "Alfa" anti-terror unit, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. He is sure that if there is a body, there should be no problem in establishing the militant's personality.

Evgeny Chernousov, a retired colonel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), has suggested that the naming of already killed militants by law enforcers may be a result of their negligence. "The reporting system that exists in special services is negatively affecting the employees. Their actions are assessed depending on how the situation is presented. They demand results from law enforcers practically every day," he said, noting that by announcing the names of the killed militants, "law enforcers are trying to improve the efficiency of their activities."

The members of the underground are declared killed in order to receive a reward and promotion, passing off wishful thinking, Magomed Shamilov, the chairman of the independent trade union of MIA servants and prosecutors, has not ruled out. "Operative agents go to any tricks to ensure positive reporting, receive remuneration, rewards and promotion. This happens not only in Chechnya but also in Dagestan and other republics. The trend is general," Mr Shamilov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 24, 2020 at 01:47 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.