Security Ministry Confirms Movements of Chechen Guerrillas, Says Numbers Grossly Exaggerated

(Tbilisi, August 22 2002, Civil Georgia) – Commenting on reports of movements of Chechen guerrilla groups outside of Pankisi gorge, spokesman of the press-service of the Georgian State Security Ministry Nika Laliashvili said these movements are taking place as a response to activation of the Georgian efforts to rid Pankisi of criminals. He added that movements of these groups are registered by the Georgian special services.

Laliashvili also stated that a number of the troops were grossly exaggerated by the local inhabitants and journalists. According to the official only tens of guerrillas were present in this particular group and its location is currently known. Laliashvili asserted that the special operation of the Georgian internal troops planned for the upcoming days would specifically target this and other similar groups.

News broke today evening on Rustavi 2 TV company that a group of Chechens, reportedly led by the field commander Ruslan Gelaev and consisting of 4-5 hundred men has been noticed by the local shepherds in a proximity to Pankisi gorge.