Timur Aliyev, North Caucasus – In recent days massive “mopping-up” operations
were conducted in several Chechen towns and villages.
Between January 7 and 9, the federal army and armoured vehicles blockaded
the town of Argun. According to a representative of the military headquarters
in Argun, the Federal Security Service and police carried out targeted passport
inspections.
The inhabitants of Argun say that three people were killed and about 40 others
detained during the operation. The military headquarters stated that these
persons are suspected of being members of illegal armed formations. During
the “mopping-up” operation, the roads leading into and out of Argun were
closed.
“Mop-ups” were also carried out in several villages in the Kurchaloyski region
from January 5 to 7. As a result, 7 people were arrested in Mesker-Yurt and
some 20 persons in Tsotsan-Yurt.
On January 9, federal servicemen passing by in a military convoy encircled
the central market in Grozny. According to market seller Khava Visaitova,
they literally began looting. “The soldiers were taking things and groceries,
firing into the air and threatening to start shooting at people if they encounter
resistance,” she said adding that they let a few detained men go as they
were leaving the market.