Gelaev Group May Have Been Noticed Outside Pankisi

(Tbilisi, August 22, Civil Georgia) – Rustavi 2 TV company reported based on indications of the local shepherds that a group of 3-4 hundred Chechen militants spent 3 nights in Bapkhi gorge neighboring the notorious Pankisi gorge. The group was allegedly headed by the field commander Ruslan Gelaev.

According to the reports, Chechens have crossed from Pankisi gorge and left in direction of the Chechen border. There also are unconfirmed notices that the local police has provided encamped guerrillas with clothing. TV coverage showed the abandoned fireplaces and cans at the place of supposed Chechen encampment.

Georgian officials so far deny any appearance of the Chechen militants on the Georgian territory.